It was the most beautiful ring Demi had ever seen. The brilliant, oval-cut diamond was encircled by a row of pink sapphires that sparkled and twinkled under the bright lights. Demi tried to compose herself, but she was a blabbering, slobbering mess in Versace, who couldn’t speak in sentences.
“I knew you were the woman for me when you rejected Jonas and said I was the sexier twin.” Inclining his head, he popped his collar, then leveled a hand over the front of his shirt. “Of course, I’ve known that for years, but hearing it from you was an awesome feeling.”
Jonas spread his arms at his sides. “Oh, so Demi, it’s like that? For real?”
“Boy, hush,” Althea hissed, pressing a finger to her lips. “My future-son-in-law is about to propose to my beautiful daughter, so sit down and let Chase do his thing.”
Everyone laughed, including Jonas, and Mr. Crawford gave his son a one-armed hug.
Demi fanned her face. She tried to slow her breathing, but her pulse sped up.
“Meeting you in Ibiza on my birthday was the greatest gift I’ve ever received, and I want you and the babies to have my last name. I want us to be a family.”
Demi had no words, feared if she spoke, she’d trip over her tongue. Chase was a gentle, quiet soul, who loved her unconditionally, and she couldn’t have asked for a better boyfriend. They were a hundred percent committed to each other, and it didn’t matter what anyone else thought; they were soulmates and their love would stand the test of time.
“I know we agreed to take things slow, but you’re my better half, the woman God created specifically for me, and I want you to be my lawfully wedded wife.” Chase squeezed her hand. “Demi, will you marry me and become Mrs. Chase Crawford?”
Searching her heart, she racked her brain for the right words. Demi wanted Chase to know everything she was thinking and feeling inside, but when she parted her lips, the truth got stuck in her throat and her voice stalled.
“Girl,” Shante drawled, sucking her teeth. “You better hurry up and say yes or I will. Chase is a good man, and if you’re not ready to marry him, I’ll gladly switch places with you!”
Blocking out the noises in the room, Demi locked eyes with Chase and draped an arm around his neck, pulling him close. “Of course I’ll marry you,” she whispered against his mouth, stroking the back of his head. “I love you with all my heart, and I always will.”
The cheers and applause were deafening.
“Welcome to the family, Demi,” Vernon said, puffing on his cigar. “I’ve never seen Chase this happy and it does my heart good to know that my son found the woman of his dreams.”
Nodding, Estelle wore an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry about the way I acted in the past, but I want you to know I’m overjoyed about the twins, and I’m going to be a great grandmother. I promise.”
Demi’s jaw dropped and she pinched her forearm to prove she wasn’t dreaming. “Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Crawford. We appreciate your support.”
“Now, for the moment you’ve all been waiting for.” Chase took the engagement ring out of the box and slid it onto Demi’s ring finger. For several seconds, Demi admired the diamond sparkler. It was perfect, just like her dreamy fiancé.
“Do you like it?” Chase asked, caressing her shoulders. “Geneviève helped me pick it out, and said you would.”
“Baby, I love it. And I love you, too.”
“Now you have a pink engagement ring to match your sports car. Pretty cool, huh?”
“You know what’s cool?” she asked, brushing her lips tenderly against his mouth. “Being with you. I’m excited to create more wonderful memories with you, and I can’t wait for our next trip to Ibiza. I’m going to make all your yacht fantasies come true.”
Chase shot to his feet. “Then we’re leaving for Ibiza tonight!”
They kissed and everyone in the room faded to the background, ceasing to exist. His lips were warm, soft and flavored with mint. His tongue explored her mouth and his hands caressed her skin, arousing her body. It was the happiest moment of Demi’s life and, as long as she lived, she’d never forget Chase’s romantic proposal in front of their family and friends. As they kissed and cuddled in each other’s arms, Demi cried tears of joy.
* * *