Page 182 of A Very Merry Enemy
Inside, it’s full of pages in her handwriting. Some are recipes, and then I come across different entries from when we were teenagers.
Dear Diary,
Today I saw Lucas. He was wearing that black hoodie that made him look so cute. We were lying on the trampoline together, and when he looked at me, I almost kissed him. I didn’t, which is a good thing because Sammy came back outside right after that. I blushed, and I couldn’t help it. I don’t know what to do. We’re friends and will always be friends, but I likehim. Likelikehim. And I can’t tell anyone. Ugh. This sucks! Not to mention I have this HUGE pimple on my chin.
H
I chuckle. “This is the best gift you could’ve ever given me.”
“I was cleaning out my closet at my parents’ house and came across a box with every note you ever wrote me, and years of journals full of me confessing how I felt about you.”
“Years?”
“Literally,” she says.
We sit there for a moment, both of us emotional over gifts that mean more than anything expensive ever could.
“Thank you so much for this,” she whispers against my mouth.
“Thank you, Peaches.”
Holiday stands to turn off the overhead light so we can sit in the dark by the fire, and my heart starts pounding harder in my chest.
When her back is to me, I drop down to the floor on one knee and pull out the small velvet box that’s been burning a hole in my pocket all night. My hands are shaking as I open it.
The firelight catches on the diamond.
When she turns around and sees me on one knee for her, all I can do is smile.
This is it.
This is the moment I’ve been waiting for my entire life.
CHAPTER 38
HOLIDAY
Iturn around from switching off the light and freeze when I see Lucas on one knee in front of the Christmas tree.
Time stops.
My heart stops.
Everythingstops.
In his hands, he’s holding a small velvet box, and inside sits a ring, sparkling in the firelight. It’s a round diamond on a delicate gold band—simple and timeless and absolutely breathtaking. It’s the exact ring I told him I’d want if anyone were to ever propose to me.
My knees go weak, and I have to steady myself.
“Lucas,” I breathe out, my hand flying to my mouth.
“Hi.” He’s grinning at me, wearing a sexy expression.
“Hi,” I manage to choke out.
This is happening.
This is really happening.
