Page 89 of Tempt Me Forever

"Yes," Avery said, her eyes shining brilliantly. "They like my designs. I'm a bit afraid of working with someone else's deadlines, but I think it'll be good for me."

"Anytime you need help or advice, let me know, okay?"

She nodded. "Thanks, Kimberly."

Drake and I fell back in step as we went to the table, which was when I noticed he was scowling. Something twisted in my chest.God, is he overwhelmed by all this?I bit the inside of my cheek, wondering if I should bring it up or not. No, maybe I could talk to him about it this evening.

Five seconds later, I realized I couldn't wait. I'd fidget the entire day.

"What is it?" I asked him. “You look stressed.”

"I talked to Suze earlier. She’s keeping something from me. I don't know what it is, but I don't like it. She doesn't want to share, which means it's serious." He sighed. "I'm sorry. I'll deal with it later on. Now, let's focus on your family."

“Are you sure? We can talk—”

“It’s fine, babe, really. Let’s enjoy the day.”

I relaxed as we sat down at the table. Everyone was silent while we dug into the food. It was delicious, as usual. I loved cookouts with the family.

I thought John was terribly brave for showing up here

It wasn't that we didn't like him. It simply felt strange, for lack of a better word, to see Gran with someone. But I was more than happy for her. Our grandfather had passed away a long time ago, before either of us kids were born. She'd spent a long time without a partner.

As soon as everyone finished eating, John cleared his throat. "Everyone, I'd like to say a few words."

Next to me, Reese inhaled sharply. "Oh my God," she whispered, "he's going to propose."

I chuckled. "Don't be silly."

"I mean it. Look at him. He's nervous."

I focused on John. My sister was right. His shoulders were straight, almost rigid. He was grasping his glass of wine very tightly; I could see his knuckles turning white even from a few seats away. "I met Beatrice some time ago, and she's completely changed my life." He took her hand, kissing the back of it.

Gran put her other hand on her chest. "And you changed mine," she said with a grin the size of Texas. I loved seeing her like this.

“It took a lot of convincing on my part before she decided to introduce me to the group. She was under the impression that you all might run me off."

"She wasn't wrong," my uncle said, and we laughed.

"I'm lucky to get a second chance at love this late in life. Beatrice, you are wonderful. I've never met anyone quite like you, and nothing would be a greater honor than if you wanted to be my wife."

There were several gasps around the table. I grabbed Reese’s arm, interlacing it with mine. Drake squeezed my other hand.

"Oh my goodness," Gran said.

John reached into his pocket, taking out a ring. I couldn’t make out the details from my spot, but I was sure it was amazing. "I wanted to ask you to marry me here in front of your family. I know they mean the world to you. I’d get down on one knee, but then I'd never get back up again."

Travis, Declan, and Tate started to laugh.

Gran looked around at us once and then back at John. Her smile was even bigger than before, and her eyes were full of happiness.

"It would make me very happy to be your wife, John," she said and then took the ring out herself, putting it on.

"You've got to give it to him. He's got balls," Travis said from next to Reese.

She elbowed him.

"Travis," I admonished.

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