Page 96 of Wicked Nasty

I slowly get down on one knee. The chatter around us fades to a hush as I look up at Becca, her eyes widening in realization. My hands tremble slightly as I pull out the velvet box, opening it to reveal the diamond ring nestled inside. The sunlight catches the facets, sending tiny rainbows dancing across Becca's face.

"My butterfly," I begin, my voice steady despite the butterflies in my stomach. "From the moment I saw you, I knew you were someone special. You've been my rock, my inspiration, and my best friend. We've grown together, faced challenges together, and celebrated victories together. Now, as we embark on the next chapter of our lives, I can't imagine taking that journey with anyone else."

I take a deep breath, my eyes never leaving hers. "Will you marry me?"

Time seems to stand still as I wait for her answer.

Becca's eyes fill with tears, her hand covering her mouth in surprise. For a moment, the world around us fades away, and it's just the two of us, suspended in this perfect moment. Then, slowly, a smile spreads across her face, radiant and beautiful.

"Yes," she whispers, her voice trembling with emotion. "Yes, of course I'll marry you!"

The restaurant erupts in cheers and applause as I slip the ring onto her finger. I stand, pulling Becca into my arms, our lips meeting in a tender kiss. Our families surround us, offering congratulations and hugs, their faces beaming with joy.

As we settle into our seats at the table, Becca can't stop admiring the ring, the diamond catching the soft candlelight. Our parents raise their glasses in a toast.

I’ve got my girl, I got my degree, and life couldn’t get much better than this.

Fouryearslater.

Becca and I lounge on our plush couch, the soft fabric enveloping us as we relax after a long day. Ryan sits in an armchair opposite us, his face radiating with joy.

"I still can't believe you two came back to the East coast," he exclaims. "I figured all that Cali sunshine was enough."

I glance at Becca, and she grins back at me. "We wanted to be closer to all of you," she says. "Not to mention NYU has a brilliant program for Danny and myself. And then, ya know, my internship with The United Nations..."

Ryan laughs. "Yeah, minor detail."

Our friends and family will be joining us this weekend to celebrate my graduation with a Master’s degree. Kaiden and Cat, X and Penny, Ryan and Ally, Iz and Bella - we'll all be reunited just like old times.

Ryan gets up from his chair and stretches. "Alright, I'm gonna head back to the hotel and give Ally a break. See you two bright and early tomorrow."

Becca walks Ryan to the door and returns with a small white gift bag in her hand.

"What's that, baby?" I ask.

She hands it to me with a playful grin. "For you. Just a little something."

I pull her onto my lap, leaving a trail of kisses down her neck. "You shouldn't have."

"Open it, Danny," she urges with excitement in her voice.

I reach into the bag and retrieve a small black box. “Becs?” I say, unable to contain the excitement in my voice.

She nods eagerly, wearing a bright smile that lights up her entire face. “Open the box.”

With trembling hands, I unlatch the lid and reveal its contents. A tiny white onesie with a rainbow embroidered on the front rests inside, along with a small paper note that reads "baby" in delicate cursive letters. My heart swells with happiness and tears prick at the corners of my eyes.

"Becca...baby," I whisper, looking back up at her. Her eyes are shining with unshed tears as she nods again. "Really really?"

"Really, really. We're having a baby, Danny," she says softly against my shoulder.

And in that moment, nothing else matters but the overwhelming joy of starting a family together.

I pull Becca close, wrapping my arms tightly around her as tears of joy stream down my face. We sit in silence for a few moments, simply basking in the enormity of this news.

"How long have you known?" I finally manage to ask, my voice thick with emotion.

Becca leans back, wiping her eyes. "I found out last week. I wanted to wait until after your graduation to tell you, but I just couldn't hold it in any longer."

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