Page 73 of Second Goal

“Good.” He smiles, taking my hand before opening the front door.

“Surprise,” multiple voices yell as we walk inside.

I startle backward, and Blake’s arms wrap around me as I take in the hoard of people, the balloons, streamers, and thelarge, homemade banner that hangs from the staircase that reads ‘Happy Birthday, Kiley!’

Brynne is the first to rush toward me, pulling me into a hug. “Happy Birthday.”

“You did all this?” I ask, looking around at the people. Friends I’ve recently met at school. Some of Blake and Kane’s team mates that I’ve gotten to know well over the past couple of years. Moms that I met at the park when I’ve taken Noah. The whole house is full.

“Were you surprised?” Brynne asks, smiling. “It’s been so hard keeping it from you. I’m so bad at keeping secrets.”

Emotions build inside me, and I can only manage to nod.

Kane comes up behind Brynne, handing Noah to her before pulling me into a hug. “Happy Birthday.”

“Thank you. I can’t believe you did this.” All the fears I walked in here with are gone.

“The party was Blake’s idea, but I wanted to do something special this year. Especially since...” He rubs the back of his neck and grimaces. “One of the worst fucking moments of my life, when I thought...” He gives me a stern look, or at least attempts to, because I see the small smile he unsuccessfully hides. “Just don’t scare me like that again. I like having a sister.”

“I love you too,” I tell him, hearing his unspoken words.

He grins, and I see the acceptance in his eyes, the affection that I’d been hoping for when I’d first met him. It hadn’t been there then. And I realize the truth about family. Blood doesn’t make you close to someone. It connects you, sure. But it’s the time you put in that nurtures those bonds. That’s what family is. Time. Acceptance. People who know your flaws, and love you not just in spite of them, but because of them.

Maybe it’s my hormones, but I can’t help the tears that form. So much for not being a person who cries. I think I’ve spilled more tears the last few months than I have in my entire life. But it’s been healing.

I’m pulled into more hugs and conversations, and then people start to sing Happy Birthday and a large cake is rolled out.

“Make a wish, sweetheart,” Blake says, coming up behind me. His hands are on me, steadying, powerful and yet tender.

“I already have everything I want,” I tell him. It’s the truth.

Blake smirks at me. “I’m sure you can think of something to wish for.”

I close my eyes for a moment and let myself dream a little. Then I blow out the candles and make a wish - for more moments like this.

Moments when everything fits together.

Moments when I’m surrounded by people who really love me.

“What did you wish for?” he whispers against my ear.

“I can’t tell you, or it won’t come true.”

“Maybe I can make one of them come true now?” he says, smiling and when he starts to kneel, it takes me a moment to realize what he’s about to do.

There’s a hush that surrounds us.

“I love you, Kiley.” He pulls out a small, velvet box from his pocket. “I know you already said yes, but I didn’t do it right the first time.”

I suck in a small breath when he opens the box and I see the diamond ring. But it’s the look he gives me, so full of love, warmth, and hope that takes my breath away.

“Will you marry me?”

“Yes.” My chest constricts with so much happiness.

He slips the ring on my finger and stands. His gaze is intense, and I see a flash of worry there, before he asks, “Now? Today. I want you to be my wife, Kiley.” He cups my jaw. “But, if you want a big wedding, I’ll give you it. Or if you want to go to an island somewhere, then we’ll go. I just want you to be mine.”

“I am yours.” The tears I’d managed to hold back earlier, fall down my cheeks now. “I always was.”

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