Page 58 of Anchored Love
Even Jess, Casey, Drake and Kelsey were present. It was sweet, but I didn’t get why they’d care so much about Mason’s promotion. I didn’t even pick up on the weird smiles everyone seemed to be giving me.
Well wishes and congrats rang out as we moved further into the apartment.
“Way to go, big guy.” Drake slapped his shoulder, bringing him in for a bro hug.
“There she is, and much more beautiful than I remember,” Karen, Mason’s mother said, walking toward me and then pulling me in for a hug. Squeezing me a tad too tight but sweet, nonetheless. “Get her some champagne, Marty.” She nudged Mason’s father.
Mason got his height and build from his father, but he shared his mother’s eyes. “I’m so thrilled the two of you got together. Your mom and I go way back. I remember when you were just a tiny thing. When Mason told me that you two were an item, I just had to call Jane Lynn and get down here to see you both. This is all just wonderful.”
I accepted a glass of champagne, and we all toasted to my wonderful boyfriend. “To Mason,” Herbert cheered, raising his flute.
“To Mason,” I repeated, taking a healthy swig. My stomach fluttered with a million different sensations, but mostly I loved that his mother seemed to be happy we were a couple. Things had been rocky at best with my mom.
Kelsey gave me a cheeky grin and raised her apple cider. She glowed from head to toe, radiating with mother-to-be happiness.
Mason sat his glass on the counter and took my hands in his. “I want to take a moment to thank you all for being here. Mom and Dad, you got on a plane the moment I asked.” I blinked at his words because he told me his mom insisted. “I wanted you to be here for this.” Dropping to one knee, he kept hold of my hands, and his gaze pierced straight through me.
Was he really doing this?
“Everly, I’ve always known you were someone special. The kind of girl you don’t go after unless you’re ready to give her the world. Back in high school, I wasn’t ready for a girl like you, but today I kneel before you, ready to worship the woman you’ve become. I love you. I’ve always loved you. Will you make my dream come true and be my wife?”
I heard my mother choke back a gasp and let out a small cry.
I stared at Mason who now held a ring in one hand.
“Well, answer the guy,” Jess grumbled.
I rolled my eyes at her. Always wanting to be the center of attention. Even as kids she wanted all eyes on her.
“Yes, Mason. I want to marry you.” I threw my arms around him, nearly tackling him to the floor as our families cheered. Our lips connected, and then Mason slid the princess cut diamond onto my finger. “Perfect fit.” I beamed, staring down at the rock.
“Just like you.” My fiancé kissed me once more as my mother watched, shedding a few tears.
After congratulations were shared, everyone moved to the living room, popping a squat where they could with their plates. It was a good thing he was moving in with me. The guy didn’t even own a table. Mason sat next to me, cross-legged on the rug in front of the fireplace. Everyone chatted, quietly eating their pasta. I looked around the room at all the smiling faces, finally feeling as though I belonged. I’d found my person.
“Hey, babe,” he whispered, crooking a finger under my chin.
“Yeah?”
“What do you say we kick everyone out and get a head start practicing on making them babies?”
“I like the way you think, honey.” He laughed, and then he kissed me.
