Page 196 of Between Hate and Desire

“You have some explaining to do.”

“I know,” he says, then he takes off the blindfold.

My mouth falls open when I see Hunter wearing a suit that fits him perfectly. I turn to see where we are. I’m standing on the Mother Goose stage with bright lights in my eyes. I try to shield the light and see a small crowd of people out there but can’t make out who it is. Looking back at Hunter with wide eyes, I have a mini freak-out because I have no clue what’s going on. When theFriendstheme song starts playing, I laugh and slightly relax.

Hunter chuckles, grabs both of my hands, then drops to one knee.

And that’s when what’s happening hits me like a ton of bricks.

Oh my God.

The music softens, and Hunter looks into my eyes with so much love and adoration, I nearly collapse.

He doesn’t even have to speak or ask.

The answer is alreadyyes.

CHAPTER FORTY-SIX

HUNTER

When I seeLennon walk around the corner and come up the steps, my heart pounds so damn hard, I’m sure everyone can hear it. Our family and friends are here, just as she would want it. Her parents and sisters are such a big part of her life, as well as the Lockes. Of course I wanted my brother and his fiancée, Savannah, here too. Liam and Mason as well, who flash me grins and thumbs-ups, a complete turnaround from how they acted six months ago. When I told them Lennon and I were finally together, they supported us and apologized for making conclusions beforehand. I knew they were only protective of Brandon’s legacy, but they knew my feelings were real.

As I drop to one knee, Lennon’s mouth falls open even though she knows she’s the only woman I want to be with—the only woman I’ve ever wanted to be with. She tucks her lips into her mouth and squeezes my hands. My nerves get the best of me, so I suck in a ragged breath and find my words.

“Lennon,” I croak out and clear my throat. “At one point in our past, you thought I was the Beast, and maybe I was. But you were alwaysmyBelle, the one who taught me how to love and be loved. Without you, I might’ve stayed a beast forever, and I will be eternally grateful for you. Our story didn’t start like a fairy tale—” I let out a laugh as a tear falls down her cheek.

“Don’t cry,” I whisper, just loud enough for her to hear.

She pulls her hand from mine and wipes it away but gives me a sweet smile to continue.

“It was far from it. But no matter what, we had each other. When I was the loneliest I’ve ever been, you were a bright yellow ray of sunshine when the days were dark and gloomy. From the moment I met you, I knew I couldn’t live without you. You’re my other half, Lennon. You’re the Monica to my Chandler, the Belle to my Beast, and the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with.”

I pull the ring from my pocket, the same ring she wore when we were pretending to be married. It’s been with us through it all. When I open the box, she sees it, and her face lights up. The memories flash across her face, and I think back to Utah and what we’ve been through.

“Lennon Corrigan, will you bemyprincess? I promise to give you the happily ever after you and Allie deserve and to love you with everything I have. Will you marry me and make me the happiest fucking man alive?”

“Yes,” she whispers through tears. “Yes a million times over!” Lennon says louder.

I smile so damn wide, my body shakes as I take the ring from the box and slip it on her finger. Standing, I pull her into a kiss. Everyone roars and claps, and I hear Maddie’s scream over it all. “Now give her another baby!”

Everyone laughs, and Lennon pulls away and looks for her sister, but the lights are too bright.

She wraps her arms around my neck. “I love you,” she tells me over and over.

I cup her cheeks gently. “I love you so damn much. I couldn’t wait another day to make you mine forever.”

“Good. I feel the same way.” Lennon is all smiles, and we walk down the steps and meet everyone as a quartet of violinists begins to play. Sophie wanted to help, of course, once I told her and suggested music. We’re bombarded with congratulations and hugs, and I feel so damn lucky that so many people are here to support us.

Getting to this point wasn’t easy, but I know nothing worth having is.

The Lockes come over, pushing Allie in her stroller. She looks adorable in the little blue dress that matches Lennon’s.

“So you were in on this the entire time?” she asks them both.

Mrs. Locke shrugs and nods.

“Oh my gosh. Look at your dress,” Lennon says as she grabs Allie, then realizes they’re twinning.

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