Page 122 of The Fiancé Hoax

I was dying to tell Lauren my news.

“Sorry. I've kind of had my hands full.”

“Please tell me they've been full with something besides work.”

“They have. Cooper came to the store and apologized.”

“I knew it!” Lauren said. “He called the flower shop early and requested that bouquet. When he came to pick it up, he was super excited. What did he say?”

“That he got distant and pushed me away because he was jaded after his ex-wife, basically. But he said he loves me and he wants to try this for real. And, Lauren…” I held out my left hand to admire my new ring. “He proposed!”

Lauren squealed so loudly I had to hold the phone away from my head before my eardrum burst.

“Oh, my God! Like, proposed, proposed? For real this time?”

I grinned. “For real this time. He did it in the middle of the store with everyone watching. Hang on, I'll send you a picture of the ring.” I snapped a picture on my phone and texted it to her.

“Felicity, that's a gorgeous ring! And it’s the perfect style for you. He picked that out by himself?”

“He did. And it means so much more than that giant rock I was wearing before.”

“This is amazing! I knew you guys had something special. Ever since that first night at your dad's party. Congrats, girl. You deserve it.” She paused. “But what about the pregnancy? Did you tell him?”

“Yes. I was scared he was going to be upset or even call off the whole thing. But he was actually happy. Like, over-the-moon happy.”

“Yay! I'm so glad.”

“Me too. We haven't told the girls about the baby yet, but we will soon. They’re excited I’m going to stay.”

“I bet. Those girls love you.”

“And I love them, too.” I smiled. “I never would have expected things to go this way, but… I couldn’t be happier, Lauren.”

“See? I told you it would all work out.”

I smiled. “You were right.”

“When can we get together to celebrate?”

“Soon. And hopefully we’ll have something else to celebrate after Monday.”

“Right,” Lauren said. “The custody trial. Do you guys have a good feeling about it?”

“I think so, but Cooper is pretty nervous. We both are.”

The doorbell rang, and I heard Cooper talking to someone at the front door.

“He’s going to win for sure,” Lauren said.

“I hope so. Hey, I better go. I’ll talk to you soon, okay?”

“Okay, keep me posted. And let’s all go get drinks soon.”

“Deal. Love you, Lauren.”

“Love you, babe.”

I ended the call with a smile. I couldn’t wait to see Lauren in person and tell her more about everything that had happened.

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