Page 33 of Burning for the Billionaire 8

I’m searching for Grace up ahead. She turns around, scanning the crowd. When she spots me, a brilliant smile spreads across her face. My heart trips and flips. I forget all about my stressful morning.

“Everything is perfect.”

I feel my breast pocket, making sure I have Grace’s ring in there.

***

The graduation party, thrown by Isabelle, of course, is in full swing. It’s at my place since it’s spacious enough. It’s nothing big, just Grace’s family and close friends. She and Ashley are in a corner, heads together—probably going on about art stuff.

“Alright, little guy, this is it. I’m going for it.”

Adam blinks and gives a toothless grin.

Grinning back, I tell him, “Wish me luck.”

“It’s funny how you have entire conversations with my seven-month-old,” Mel says.

“He gets me,” I joke.

She snorts.

“Can you take him for a minute? There’s something I have to do.”

She takes the baby, who seems to gurgle his protest. “I swear, I think you’re already his favorite person,” she says.

I smile, glancing at Matt, who nods. He clears his throat.

“Can I have everyone’s attention?”

When everyone stops and turns to him, he grins like the cat that ate the canary. I almost roll my eyes. He’s thrilled about me wanting to marry Grace.

Her father squares his shoulders and gives me a knowing look. I had a long talk with him before the party. I thought I’d be respectful and give him a heads-up about my intention toward his daughter. He didn’t give me too much grief. Maybe I’m growing on him.

I step into the middle of the living room, trying to get my nerves under control. I’m not one to get nervous about much, but this calls for a little anxiety.

“Grace, can you come here for a minute?”

She practically skips, grinning broadly. I can’t help smiling at her energy. “Hey, what’s going on?”

“I... have something for you.”

“Oh.” She rubs her palms together. “Anothergraduation present? I don’t know what could beat a car.”

“Maybe... hopefully... this.” I get on one knee and pull the little box from my pocket.

Grace lets out a shriek, but my sister’s is louder. Mel hurries closer to watch.

Ashley almost trips in her mad dash to get a better look, too. She has her hand over her heart—probably ready to shed a few tears.

Isabelle jumps up and down. “What did I tell you, Grace?Whatdid I tell you?”

Grace’s cheeks flush. “Shut up, Belle.” Turning back to me, she smiles sheepishly. “Please, continue.”

“Grace Lawson, we’ve been on one hell of a ride.”

She laughs.

“There’s been a few bumps along the way, but the times I’ve spent with you have been amazing. The day you came into my life, I changed for the better. I’ve never—” I have to pause. For once in my life, I might be getting choked up.

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