“I promise you, we’ll do right by them.” Micah squeezed her hand.
“How’s the wedding planning coming along?” Daize asked.
“I think we’ve gotten it all sorted out. We’ll be sending out the ‘remember the dates’ soon.”
Daize grinned. “That’s exciting.”
Asher and Micah got into a conversation about movies as the girls talk about wedding planning. This was happiness. Surrounded by his family with the woman he was falling in love with besides him.
“Can you help me get everything from the kitchen?” Luka asked.
“Yeah. I’ll be back, babe.” He kissed her cheek and rose.
Inside the house, he dropped the façade. “I’m freaking out, Luk.”
Luka patted his shoulder. “You’ll be fine. She doesn’t have a clue, does she?”
“No.” Micah shook his head.
“Enjoy this moment. The two of you are
meant to be together. It’s going to be fine.”
“I haven’t even told her I love her yet.”
“Then I suggest you remedy the problem before you pop the question, brother.” He smirked.
“You love this, don’t you?” Micah scowled.
“Am I enjoying seeing my baby brother find the love of his life? Yes. Am I also loving the freakouts from Mr. Cool? Also, yes.”
“Evil.”
“How long do we need to keep you here for everything to be set up?”
“Mel and Trish said no earlier than eight o’clock.”
“We’re long-winded, so it won’t be a problem. Come on, let’s get the meat going out to the grill before she notices how long we’re taking. If I didn’t believe with my entire being she was the one for you, I’d caution you to slow down and think things through. You realize I’ve never said a word against her, yes?”
“I have.”
“There’s a reason for that. Trust yourself and the people who love you. We’re backing your play, and we think it’s the absolute right one.”
His words settled him. He had the same grounding effect of their father. Gathering his wits about him, he helped Luka bring out the pre-shaped beef patties and played his role until it was time.
“I HAD A GREAT TIME with your family tonight. They’re fun.”
“They’re all right, I guess.”
She rolled her eyes, and he chuckled as she opened the door.
“What is this?” she whispered.
He placed a hand on the small of her back and gently nudged her into the apartment. White candles filled every surface. Their flames flickered, painting shadows on the walls. A vase full of white roses rested beside a silver ice bucket with a bottle of champagne. A manila envelope wrapped in a bow was surrounded by red rose petals shaped into a heart.
He helped her out of her jacket and held her purse. She hesitated and glanced at him.
“Go ahead and sit on the couch.” After hanging their coats on the coat tree, he moved to grab the envelope. He handed it to her and straightened. “Open it.”