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She slipped away as the dancing picked up, finding refuge in the kitchen, her hands pressing against the cool countertop as she exhaled a slow breath. The noise from the main room was muffled here, and she welcomed the solitary moment.
“You should be out there celebrating.”
She turned to see Keefe leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed.
“I am celebrating.” Even she could hear the lie in her voice.
Keefe sighed and stepped into the kitchen. “No, you’re not. You’ve been smiling all night, but not once have your eyes matched it and we both know why.”
Sophie opened her mouth to protest, but he cut her off.
“You should have invited Liam.”
Her throat tightened. “It’s too late now.”
“It’s never too late.” He held her gaze, voice softening. “Go after him, Soph. What’s stopping you?”
Her heart pounded. She wanted to. God, she wanted to. She hadn’t realized until this moment just how badly.
“But, what if?—”
“No.” Keefe shook his head. “No what ifs. No buts. No overthinking. Just go.”
Sophie hesitated for only a moment longer before pushing off the counter.
Her eyes widened. “You’re right! I should have invited him! What the hell am I doing here? Keefe, sorry but, I gotta go!” She snatched her purse from the counter and dashed for the door.
“Hey, Soph—wait!”
She turned, exasperated. “What?”
“Congratulations.”
“Thanks.”
And with that, she hurried out the door, leaving Keefe shaking his head with a knowing smile.
* * *
Sophie barely pausedto knock as she pushed open Liam’s front door, her heart pounding. “It’s me! Are you in here?” she called, breathless with excitement as she stepped inside.
“In the kitchen, love,” Liam answered.
She followed the sound, her steps quick, barely able to contain herself. She found him standing by the counter, pouring a cup of coffee, the rich aroma curling in the air. The sight of him calm, steady, utterly unaware of the storm inside her only made her pulse race faster.
Liam glanced up at her, his expression concerned as he took in her flushed cheeks and wide, urgent eyes. “What’s got you wound up?”
“Ask me,” she said, vibrating with anticipation.
“What?”
“Ask me,” she repeated. Her excitement was ready to bubble over.
“Ask you what?” He gave a small, confused laugh, setting the coffeepot back down.
She took a deep, unsteady breath. “Listen, a few days ago, I found a ring in your drawer.” Her words tumbled out in a rush. “And now today, we’re having this big family dinner, and you’re not there! You, of all people, should be there!” She blinked rapidly, the lump in her throat making it hard to breathe. “You said you would never marry anyone but me, right? So, so—ask me! Please?”
Her voice cracked on the last word, and the floodgates broke spilling tears down her cheeks.
