Page 148 of Simply Irresistible

And then Alisha gives me her sassy, I told you so, grin.

"So say it, girlfriend." I pull her into a tight hug. "You were right, Alisha. And thanks for your sweet words at the hospital." When I let her go, she still has that sassy grin on her face.

When I turn, Nick is holding his mother in a tight hug. She's crying her eyes out, saying how happy she is with the news. John has Charlotte on his arm, and she is telling him everything from the ultrasound. Then she screams: "Mommy, can I tell the other surprise?" Nick and I laugh and simultaneously say, “Go ahead.”

"Mommy and Giant are getting married."

Charlotte giggles as everyone gasps, hearing her say this. I glide my hand in the pocket of my dress, pull out the ring, and I slide it back on my ring finger with a wide grin.

Alisha is the first to pull my hand towards her. "Oh, holy shit. That thing is enormous and gorgeous." Amanda and Bella are in awe when they see the sparkling green diamond.

"You sneaky little friend, how on earth did you withhold us this information?" Bella asks, still gazing at the ring.

"I promised Charlotte that she could tell, so that made it easier to stop myself from blaring it out. But it's been hard."

"You and my brother are perfect for each other," Amanda states. "I'm so excited to be an auntie and to have you as my sister-in-law. How far along are you?"

"Twelve weeks," I say, placing my hand on the modest bump that's forming.

"Tell us how he proposed?" Alisha and Bella ask in sync.

"In the kitchen, after I hosed him with the showerhead. They give me a questioning glance and I explain. "He scared me by showing up unannounced while I took a shower."

Then I unfold how he hid the ring in the heart-shaped chocolate cake.

When I'm done and Nick shows up behind me, it's Alisha who responds. "Damn, Brown, you know how to swoon your woman. I have to give it to you. That is the most romantic and unique proposal I've heard. Outstanding job. You're giving us single girls hope by showing there are still gentlemen in this world."

Nick laughs.

"You don't need a gentleman, princess," Cole states as he pops up behind her. "You need a man that can handle that sassy mouth of yours."

Alisha straightens her spine and spins on her heels. "If you're referring to yourself, then let me be clear. You're no gentleman, and I'm not interested in a neanderthal like you."

Cole's jawline clenches as she pushes against his chest. He doesn't move an inch, so with a huff, she walks past him and goes to Charlotte, who is jumping and having fun in the bouncing castle with John and Martha.

"Long live the sexual chemistry," Brian says with a grin.

"Jesus, Cole," Amanda reacts. "What's wrong with you two? Every time you’re near each other, you two fight and bicker."

Cole cocks a brow at Amanda. "Ask yourself that question, because you and Brian are no better."

Amanda's eyes enlarge, and she blushes.

"Shut it, Walker," Brian states.

"Okay, stop the goddamn bickering. It's my girl's party, so shut up, and smile," I say, annoyed. Nick's laugh thunders through the room while the others give me a stunned expression.

"You heard my pregnant fiancée," Nick says with a wide, shit-eating grin. "You better not anger her, or she will blow up in your face."

"Damn, girl, that baby is giving you extra spice," Brian says while letting out a chuckle. "Let's get drinks and extra food before the other guests arrive."

I take a peek at my watch, and when I see that Charlotte's friends from school will arrive in half an hour, I give Nick a knowing look. He takes my face in his palms and whispers after pecking my lips. "I'm nervous."

"Just speak from your heart," I say.

He takes my hand as we make our way to the bouncy castle where she's jumping.

"Charlotte, sweetheart. Could you come here for a minute?"

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