Page 122 of The Secrets We Built Together

"Whoever comes next?" I echoed, my voice barely above a whisper.

"If that's something you want," he clarified quickly. "More kids. Or not. But the point is, I've been designing this house around a future for the three of us. A future where we're a family… officially."

I could hardly breathe. "Xander..."

He released my hands, and before I could process what was happening, he shifted onto one knee beside the blanket. My heart leapt into my throat as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box.

"I know it started out as pretending and part of me is so happy that we never did this part," he said, his voice steady despite the vulnerability in his eyes. "Because I’m not pretending anymore, Blake. And I’m so happy that I get to do this for real, just once, with you and no one else."

He opened the box, revealing a ring that caught the sunlight and scattered it into rainbows across the blanket. It was stunning – a delicate band with an emerald-cut center stone flanked by smaller diamonds.

"I love you," he said simply. "I love your wildness and your warmth. I love how you see beauty in everything, even in broken things. Even in me. I love watching you with Amelia, seeing the incredible mother you've become. I love that you talk to an imaginary dog named Toby."

I gave a watery laugh at that, tears already streaming down my face.

"I've even designated a spot in our room for a dog bed," he added with a smile. "Because I figure Toby deserves to be real at this point."

I couldn't help the sob that escaped me then, half laugh and half cry. Amelia looked up at the sound, her eyes wide with concern until I gave her a reassuring smile.

"I want to build this house with you, Blake," Xander continued, his voice deepening with emotion. "I want to build a life, a family, a future. I don't just want you to be my fake fiancée anymore. I want you to be my wife. For real."

He took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving mine. "Blake Mitchell, will you marry me?"

For a moment, I couldn't speak. My throat was too tight, my heart too full. In that golden afternoon light, with Amelia babbling happily beside us and the blueprints of our future home spread out before us, I felt something I'd never expected to feel. Completely and utterly at home.

"Yes," I finally managed, my voice breaking on the word. "Yes, of course I'll marry you. I love you so much."

The smile that broke across Xander's face was brighter than the sun. He slid the ring onto my finger, and I wanted to laugh at how it was the perfect fit, unlike the imaginary ring that hadstarted this whole thing. Then he was kissing me, his hands cradling my face like I was something precious, something rare. I kissed him back with everything I had, pouring all the love and hope I felt into it.

When we broke apart, both breathless, Amelia was watching us with a gummy smile, bouncing excitedly. She'd pulled herself up to standing, holding onto the edge of the cooler for support, her chubby legs wobbling but steady. It was the first time she'd stood on her own, and my heart swelled with another wave of emotion.

"Look at you, standing up!" I exclaimed, reaching out to steady her as she bounced on her toes, clearly proud of herself.

Xander's eyes widened in delight. "That's our girl," he said proudly, scooping her up and bringing her into our embrace. "What do you think, little bug? Did Mommy make the right choice?"

Amelia reached for my face, her tiny fingers patting my wet cheeks. I kissed her hand, then leaned against Xander's shoulder, gazing out at the empty field that would soon hold our home.

"So," I said, once I'd found my voice again. "Tell me more about this house of ours."

Xander wrapped an arm around me, holding both Amelia and me close. "Well, the kitchen has a big island where you can sit and have your coffee while I make breakfast."

"And a dishwasher," I added. "I'm not negotiating on that."

"Of course a dishwasher," he agreed with a chuckle. "And the master bathroom has a soaking tub big enough for two."

"Scandalous," I teased, feeling light-headed with happiness.

"The studio has north-facing windows," he continued, "so you get the best light without the glare. And shelves for all your supplies. A sink for cleaning brushes."

"You've thought of everything."

"I've been planning this for a while," he admitted. "Ever since I realized I couldn't imagine my life without you in it."

I looked down at the ring on my finger, still not quite believing this was real. "When did you know?"

He didn't hesitate. "The day you showed up at my door with Amelia in your arms. Everything changed for me that day. I just didn't want to admit it at first."

I leaned up to kiss him again, soft and sweet. "I think I fell for you the day you let her throw up all over you and still looked at her like she hung the moon."

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