Page 118 of Such a Good Girl

“What’s up?” I asked.

I searched his eyes, drowning in the love I saw there.

When he sank to a knee, I thought he’d fallen or tripped. But then he dug into his jeans pocket and opened a box, showing me a humongous sparkling sapphire ring. My mouth fell open and I was pretty sure I squealed.

“Kaylee, I know things started out rocky, but being with you has been nothing but right, every single day. You bring the purest joy to my life. I want to spend the rest of my days giving it right back to you. Will you please marry me?”

“West,” I whispered, my heart swelling with euphoria. “Yes, of course! Yes!”

The smile that spread across his face could have lit up the sky. He pulled the ring from the box and slid it on my finger — a perfect fit — just like the beautiful man in front of me.

He pulled me into my arms and swept me off my feet, spinning me around and around in circles.

The door of the club burst open and our friends erupted into cheers, clearly in on the secret. They led us inside, and I saw they’d set up an entire engagement party for us. The club was decked out with silver and black art-deco themed decorations, a DJ in the corner, and a full buffet set out for us.

“You did all this?” I asked West.

“Not without the help of Violet and Everleigh,” he admitted.

They giggled next to me and I jabbed at them with my elbow. “I can’t believe you hid this from me!”

“It wasn’t easy,” Violet said, throwing her arms around my neck. “You’re gonna be so fucking happy. I’m so jealous.”

“You’ll find your Prince Charming someday.”

“Meh,” she shrugged. “I’m eyeing those three hot waiters over there.”

I rolled my eyes and shook my head. “You’re insatiable.”

“I am,” she winked. “Be right back.”

She headed their way and I couldn’t help but laugh.

Some things never changed.

West took my hand, walking me onto the dance floor and pulling me into his arms.

“You said yes,” he whispered in my ear, holding me close.

“I did,” I said, nodding, tears springing to my eyes.

“Thank you,” he whispered, his hands caressing my back.

“West,” I stared up at him, hoping he could see the truth shining in my eyes. “I’d say yes to you a million times.”

When he kissed me, it felt like he was planting flowers in my soul, our future laid out in front of us like a beautiful garden that we’d grow together, with equal parts water, dirt, sunshine…and darkness.

Because we all need both the darkness and the light to bloom.

ChapterForty-Eight

EVERLEIGH

Watching West and Kaylee dance made me green with envy.

Don’t get me wrong, I was happy for them. He was my brother, after all. Of course I wanted him to be as happy as he could be. And I loved Kaylee. I had no doubt their future would be filled with happiness.

I just wanted that for myself.

---