“And what were you doing in a dance class?” asked Olivia. “And why wasn’t Emily with you?”
Spencer tried futilely to keep the exasperation from his voice. “I wanted to surprise Emily because she loves to dance. I knew she wanted to dance at Sam and Tanner’s wedding.”
“I guess it was kind of sweet,” admitted Emily.
“When did you have time to take dance lessons?” demanded Grace. “I thought you were working to buy her a ring.”
“You knew about that?” said Emily. “Why didn’t he tell me he wanted to get married?”
“Spencer!” Grace scolded. “You were supposed to talk to her.”
“It was only a misunderstanding… But we could talk right now if you two would leave us alone.”
“You bought the ring?” asked Grace with excitement.
“Not yet. But I did ask her parents for permission. And Charlie was going to help me pick out a setting.”
“So you pretty much talked to everybody but me.” Emily’s eyes flashed with resentment.
“I told you... I thought that’s what we were talking about—”
“Well did you at least tell her you loved her? Did she know you hadn’t dated anyone else?” Grace turned to Emily. “You know, he had all of us fooled on that one. When we found out he’d never even kissed a girl before—”
“He’d never kissed a girl before? He didn’t tell me that. He just said he’d never been with a girl.”
Grace frowned at Spencer. “Am I right brother? Tell the truth.”
“Why not? Total humiliation seems to be the order of the day.”
He turned to face Emily with his face burning. “Here it is. I’d never kissed a single girl before I kissed you. None at all. I was always waiting for a special girl to come along, and it just took twenty-five years for that to happen. So there you go. I’m a nerd. I’m totally inexperienced. I’m a fake. Oh, and by the way, in case I didn’t make it clear before, I’m totally head-over-heels in love with you.”
He squeezed his eyes shut and waited for the sound of her laughter. After a few seconds of silence he cracked one eye open to see what she was doing. She was standing stock still, staring at him, her huge almond-shaped blue eyes brimming with tears.
“I’m sorry—I always say the wrong thing. Please, don’t cry. I’ll leave you alone. I promise. I won’t bother you anymore.”
He fought the urge to pull her into his arms and comfort her. How had he made such a mess of things? He clenched his eyes, reaching up to pull his hair in frustration. He flinched as he felt her surge against
him, wrapping her arms around his waist and wetting his shirt with her tears.
He let his arms fall around her and rubbed her back, squeezing her against him and nuzzling her damp curls. He was totally confused. Did she like him or did she despise him? Was she angry or had she forgiven him? Did she believe him? Why would she cry and then hug him? This must be some type of farewell hug. She was crying because they were breaking up. He closed his eyes and willed it to last as long as possible.
“Too bad you don’t have that ring, Spencer,” sniffed Grace. He opened his eyes in confusion to find Grace and Olivia both crying and hugging each other. Girls were so weird. Why were they all crying?
He was thinking it was a good thing he hadn’t already bought the ring or destroyed her grandmother’s ring. He guessed he could give it back to her since he wasn’t going to use the diamonds. He refused to let himself think about another guy making it into an engagement ring for her. He pulled one hand down to reach into his pocket and pull out the ring box.
“Here,” he said, holding out the box. “I guess I won’t be needing this.”
Emily pulled away and gazed at the ring box balanced on his fingers. She picked it up with trembling hands and opened it.
“Oh!” she cried. “It’s my Grandmother’s ring! I’ve always loved this ring!”
She pulled the ring out of the box and slipped it on her left hand. It fit perfectly. Then she started crying afresh, throwing herself back into Spencer’s arms. This time Spencer kept his eyes open, patting her back and watching in bewilderment as his sisters went on another crying-hugging spree.
Grace furrowed her eyebrows. “Kiss her, Spencer—she accepted.”
“Accepted what?”
“You’re engaged, you idiot.” Grace laughed. “Congratulations!”