Page 106 of Thick Girls Pole

He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me in for a kiss.

“I’m glad you like it.”

“What about you?”

“I like whatever you like.” He smiled. “You know what they say, ‘happy wife, happy life.’”

I tilted my head to the side and raised my brow.

“I’m not your wife.”

“No?”

I shook my head.

“Maybe we should do something about that.”

My gasp echoed through the empty room when he stepped back, lowered to his right knee, and held up a black velvet box.

“Simon…” His name came out as both a whisper and a shriek.

“I’m pretty sure I fell in love with you the moment we met. But it wasn’t our time yet and we became good friends. Thankfully our stars aligned and after ten years of friendship, we fell in love.” He opened the box, exposing the most beautiful ring nestled inside. “Keera Jordan, will you marry me?”

I nodded and mouthed the wordyesthree times before finally saying it out loud. He slipped the ring on my finger then stood and placed his mouth over mine. The kiss was soft and sweet and sealed the new commitment we just made.

He pulled back and wiped tears from my cheeks.

“Why are you crying?”

“I’m just so happy.” I shook my head. “Simon Parker, you’re my person and I knew we’d be together forever. I wasn’t expecting to get married, but I have to say, the thought makes me all mushy inside.”

“And that’s a good thing?”

“That’s a very good thing.” I held up my hand and looked down at my ring. Then shifted my eyes between it and the bracelet he gave me for Christmas. “Wait! Do these match?”

He nodded.

“My grandmother left me the ring and I knew you’d love it. So for Christmas, I went to my dad’s favorite jewelry store and had them make a bracelet to match.”

“So you knew you were going to propose atChristmas.”

“Keera, I knew I wanted to propose the moment you agreed to go out with me.” He flashed an adorable smile. “But I didn’t want to come on too strong or seem too easy.”

I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him.

“I love you, Simon Parker.”

“I love you, too.” He gave me another quick kiss then stepped back and pulled his phone out of his pocket. “Now that that’s done, we have a group of people at Anjannette and Leo’s house waiting to descend on us.”

He texted and within minutes, our empty house was filled with family and friends, and every surface in the kitchen was covered with food. Simon’s dad popped a bottle of champagne and poured it into plastic cups for a toast.

I looked around the room and my heart felt so full. This is everything I ever wanted but never thought I’d have.

Simon walked over and wiped a tear off my cheek.

“You’re crying again.”

“Get used to it. You’re gonna have to deal with it for the rest of your life.”

---