Page 186 of Restricted List

“My dad is overcompensating,” I laugh. “Maybe one day he’ll realize he doesn’t need to buy our forgiveness, especially when we forgave him over half a year ago.”

“I’m sure he means well,” Knox says lightly.

I nudge him with my hip. “So, when is it going to be your turn?”

Knox’s smile is telling. “I was actually hoping you could help me with that.”

I almost drop my drink in excitement, narrowly avoiding staining my white dress with deep red wine. “What?!”

“Yeah. I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately. Lo’s already been living with me for a year anyway.”

“So you’re going to propose?!”

He chuckles. “I was trying to beat around the bush a bit, but yes. I know her ring size, but I want to make sure I picked the right style.”

“I’ve got you there, buddy,” I laugh. “Lo has an entire Pinterest board dedicated to her future wedding. I know she has rings there. I’ll send you the pictures.”

“Thanks, Rory. I knew I could count on her best friend for that.”

“At your service,” I say with a curtsy. “You know that’s going to make you my brother-in-law, right?”

“I could do worse for a sister-in-law.”

“I think that’s the closest I’m ever going to get to a compliment from you.”

Knox throws his head back in laughter. “I’ll let you get back to it. Thanks for the help, and I know it goes without saying, but please don’t breathe a word of that to Lo.”

“Your secret is safe. I promise.”

Knox says his goodbye before walking back into the crowd, smiling when he finds the woman he loves.

And I’m joined now by my husband.

“Hey there, Mrs. Pierce.”

“Hey, Mr. Pierce. Tonight has been fun.”

“It’s been great. I just spent the past twenty minutes talking to your dad and grandparents.” He softly smiles at me. “I like them.”

“I still can’t believe such sweet people birthed my mother.” I shake my head. “But I’m happy I got them out of her.”

“Ann Wory! Unky Coe!” A little voice cuts through the crowd and runs right at us.

“Sagie!” Cole booms, sweeping her into his arms as she giggles. “What are you doing?”

“Wunning fwom Daddy!”

An exhausted Lane joins us now. “How the heck can she run so quickly?! She’s not even three yet!”

“Girl’s got some speed,” I say.

“Wory, I want dance!”

“Then let’s go dance, Lovebug!”

“She’s talking about ballet lessons. Sage literally can’t stop talking about how much she loves them.”

“Daddy’s going to start taking you to ballet, Sagie!” I say, pinching her cheeks while she laughs. “Aunt Rory and Uncle Cole are going to be in Aruba on our honeymoon.”

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