Page 80 of Three Rules I'd Never Break

“You don’t have to tell me.”

He laced his fingers with mine. “I had the ring in my pocket when I went into the store that day. I’d just bought it.”

My chest tightened, constricting my airflow. “Eli, I’m sorry.”

“That’s all water under the bridge.” He brushed a tear off my cheek. “I didn’t even mean to bring it up, but I wanted you to know that there is no impulse in my question. I didn’t ask because you called itourdream house. I’ve been planning tonight for a while. When you called and said you had something important to talk about, it made it easier to get you out here without giving away my surprise.” He softly and slowly danced his lips on mine. “But when you said you wanted to add another garage bay, then I knew I was in love.”

I pulled him in for another kiss. “I didn’t grow up with surprises. Not the good kind anyway. You have spoiled me with fun surprises. And I love it.”

“I have another surprise, but you’ll have to wait.” He emptied the cooler and ripped the foil off the top of the bottle.

“I don’t know why you decided to talk to me and why you didn’t lose interest once you did, but I think it’s because we were made for each other.” I handed Sherlock a bone while Eli uncorked the champagne.

“Yep. We are. And you’re prettier than all those other girls.” He winked as the cork popped.

* * *

Eli pulled into his parents’driveway, then clasped my hand. “I hope you like this surprise, and if you don’t, please remember that I did it because I love you.”

“Now I’m scared. What did you do?” I slid out of the truck.

Sherlock ran toward the door, yipping excitedly.

The door opened a little, and Sherlock bolted inside. Eli shifted behind me and pushed the door open the rest of the way.

A smiling face peeked around the door.

“Dad!” I launched into his arms. “You’re here.”

“I’ve missed a lot of things, Delaney, but this wasn’t going to be one of them.” He held me close a second then stuck out his hand to Eli. “It’s good to see you again, and I can’t thank you enough for inviting me.”

“See you again?” I looked from my dad to Eli.

“You know when Dad and I went fishing not long ago? That was a cover. We did go fishing, but I drove up to meet your dad and tell him that I wanted to marry his daughter.” Eli kissed my head. “I knew you missed him and thought this might be a good time for a quick visit.”

My dad wiped his eyes. “There is a roomful of people eager to congratulate you. Come on in.”

I hugged Eli as my dad walked around the corner. “Thank you for this. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

“If you haven’t figured it out, I’ll go to great lengths to make you happy.”

“I am happy. I don’t need anything else but you.” I kissed his cheek. “We’re probably making them antsy.”

“Yes. Be prepared to eat. I think my mom cooked enough for an army.” He led me into the living room.

Heart-shaped balloons were dotted around the room. The table against the wall was covered in food. The best part of this surprise filled the living room—the smiling faces of my friends and family, his and mine.

His mom hugged me. “I’m so happy he found you.”

Tessa nudged her way in. “My turn.”

Laughing, I wrapped my arms around her. “You knew. That’s why you’ve been so busy.”

“I’m a horrible liar. So, I avoided you.” She pulled Eli into the huddle. “I’m so happy for you both.”

Joji and Clint grinned as Tessa stepped back.

One by one, our friends and family hugged us and congratulated us. I’d never felt more loved.

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