Page 160 of The Winslow Brothers

“Okay. Okay,” she says and puts a hand to her hip. “Now, we both just need to chill out and relax for a hot second. And then, I’m going to hit record on my iPad because I promised Julie I would record the whole thing, and we’re going to start from the beginning. But this time, you’re actually going to let me propose, okay?”

She’s in event planner mode, rambling and gesturing with her hands, and it’s the cutest fucking thing in the world. So much so that it makes laughs spill from my lips.

Immediately, Sophie stops mid-step and looks at me.

“Are you laughing right now?”

“Fuck yes, I’m laughing right now.”

She crinkles her nose. “Why?”

“Because you’re crazy and I love you.”

Her brow furrows, but I don’t give her any time to toss any more sassy responses my way. I stride right for her, take the iPad from her hands, and hit record. Once the video is on, I look right into the camera.

“Julie, honey, you really outdid yourself,” I say. “Although, I hate to be the bearer of bad news here, but Sophie isn’t going to be proposing to me tonight.”

I peer up to look at Sophie and find her standing there in absolute shock.

But I don’t let it stop me.

“She’s not proposing because I’mproposing to her.Right now.”

And right then, I set down the iPad, pull the Tiffany’s box I’ve been carrying around for six long fucking months out of my back pocket, and get down on one knee.

“Sophie, my love, my heart, my wild, adorable girl, I love you. You know this. Hell, anyone who sees the way I look at you knows this.”

Her hand goes to her mouth, and one tear falls down her cheek.

“Baby, I need you to be my wife.Please, I’m begging you,marry me.Spend the rest of your life with me. Let me love you forever.”

“Yes.”

Her answer is so immediate that I almost don’t believe my ears, but then she says it again.

“Yes.”

Hope blooms inside my chest, and it is so huge, so persistent, it feels like my lungs and heart have to shift to make room. “You’ll marry me?”

“Of course I’ll marry you, Jude,” she says through fresh tears. “I love you so much.”

Fuck yes!

Once Ifinallysecure the ring on her finger, I stand to my feet and pull her into my arms, swinging us around on a hearty, exuberant chuckle.

“Thank fuck!” I exclaim so loud that Frankie barks from his crate in our bedroom. But Sophie just stares at me with her heart in her eyes and giggles leaving her lips. “Now, baby, are you ready to go to Vegas and get hitched?”

“No way.” She snorts. “I want a real wedding, Jude. With all our friends and family there to witness the day I sayI doto the man of my dreams.”

“So, that’s a no on Vegas?”

“Definitely a no on Vegas.” Her mouth morphs into a mischievous grin. “But would you like to make a wager with me?”

“I’m listening.”

“I’ll bet you anything you want, anything your heart desires, that you and I are going to get married and be blissfully happy for the rest of our lives.”

I shake my head. “That’s a horrible fucking bet, babe.”

“Why?”

“Because I’d never bet against us. You and I are the one thing I’m certain about.”

“Ditto,” she whispers as she brushes her lips gently against mine. “Our love is a forever kind of love, Jude. It’s strong and stable. It’s sweet and kind. It’s wild and fierce. It’s passion personified. And it’s the most fun this girl has ever had.”

Her words make me grin. “Well, soon-to-be Mrs. Winslow, get ready for a lifetime of fun.”

THE END

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