Page 75 of Cass

I shake my head in disbelief. I reach over and rub the scruff on his face. “Trevor, I’ve honestly never met a man who understands me the way you do. It wasn’t just the penis persuasion. I do love you.”

He winks at me again. “I know you do. I just wanted to make you say it before I put a ring on it.”

We both laugh as we pull into Darian and Jackson’s house

We get out of the car, and he takes my hand. “Are you ready?”

I give a defeated nod. “Let’s face the music.”

I’m fully prepared for this to be ugly. Jackson accepted our relationship, but marriage is a whole different ballgame. I’m not sure he’ll be as understanding.

I wish this could be how all engagements should be. A time of celebration. A time of pure happiness. I’m happy, but I hate that Trevor will have a black cloud of family discontent hanging over him.

Just last week, Hayden got engaged. Everyone was over the moon. Trevor should have that. Frankly, I deserve that too.

I pull back on his hand. “Trevor, maybe we shouldn’t do this. This should be a happy night for you. I don’t want anyone or anything to ruin it for you. You deserve for it to be a special night.”

“It’s not just me. It’s us. It’s not my life or my happiness. It’s not your life or your happiness. It’s our life. Our happiness. What impacts you, impacts me, and vice versa. It’sourspecial night, and we’re going to share it withourloved ones.”

He turns and runs his hand over my cheek. He places a soft kiss on my lips. “Do you trust me?”

I nod. I do trust him. “More than I’ve ever trusted any man.”

“I see you. I know what you need. I’ll take care of you. Always.”

I’m staring at the man next to me in disbelief. He’s so special. He was worth the wait.

Without my paying attention, he opens the front door. All of a sudden, there are shouts of “surprise.” I turn my head. Our entire family is there. Everyone, including Beth, Luke, and Melissa. Acongratulationssign is hanging. Darian wraps me in an enormous hug. The girls all come over to see my ring. This feels so normal. I look up at Trevor.

He smiles. “They’re happy for us.” I look around. Everyone does seem happy.

Jackson comes over to give me a hug. “Not that you weren’t family already, but I guess this is an official welcome to the family.” He smiles at me.

I look up at him. He seems totally fine. I grin. “Thanks, Dad.”

He growls at me. “Don’t push it, Cassandra.” We both laugh.

Darian is giddy. “Cass, you know we’re both going to be Mrs. Knight now?”

Huh. I never thought of that. I smile at her. “You’ll definitely be my favorite of all of the mothers-in-law I’ve had so far.” She punches me playfully in the arm, and we both laugh.

Melissa interrupts. “Excuse me. I’ll be the favorite mother-in-law.” She smiles at me as she embraces me. She whispers in my ear, “Our deal still stands.” I nod. It does.

Harley is busting with excitement. “Trevor wouldn’t tell us how he was proposing. Beth mentioned a horse, but we don’t know anything else. Tell us.”

I turn and smirk at Reagan. “Hmmm. I guess it happened while I was riding Secretariat.”

EPILOGUE

ONE YEAR LATER

CASSANDRA

“Ifucking hate you, Aunt Cass.”

I smile as I hold Reagan’s hand. “I love you, Reagan.”

Trevor holds her other hand. “Reagan, you’re the best sister that has ever had her brother’s babies.” The nurses all stare at him.

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