My Brother's Best Man

CHAPTERTWENTY-FIVE

Becca

“What are we doing here?” I ask, looking down over the city.

I feel like I’m standing at the top of the world as I gaze down from the rooftop garden.

The past week has been like heaven, even sweeter than the week before because now Alex knows.

We don’t have to sneak around anymore and constantly wonder if Alex is going to find out. We don’t have to live in fear of his reaction.

With Alex to vouch for us, Mom and Dad have accepted the relationship easily. Everybody knows what a good man Ben is. Everybody knows – me most of all – that he’s always going to be there.

We’ve taken long walks together, perfect for snapping photos. We’ve spent hours in bed talking about the future, our children, and even about our wedding.

But I always wonder if saying those three words will be going too far.

I love you.

There have been so many moments, after lovemaking and after the laughter. And after just a generally beautiful, messy life where I’ve wanted to say it. But I always stop myself at the last moment, wondering if he’ll say it in return.

Now he softly touches my hips, turning me to face him.

I take in the sight of my man.

Myman.

With nothing standing between us anymore, I can think that without feeling the shiver of fear that used to follow, the one that told me everything was going to blow up.

He stands a couple of feet away in a button-up, the sleeves rolled up, the afternoon sunlight making his silver hair glisten.

Every moment we’ve spent together emanates from him, as I remember tracing this line with my finger, kissing this part of his face, and running my hands down his chest as we rocked together last night.

“I wanted to show you this place,” he says. “This is where I used to come. Back when I used to box and after, I’d come here and think about all the moves I was going to make with the business. It was always about work. It was always about finding a way to feel like I belonged. I don’t know.”

His voice gets emotional and husky causing a shiver to move through me.

“But now I know, Becca bee. I have everything I need. I love you.”

I gasp, my hands flying up to cover my mouth.

“I love you,” he repeats, his voice firmer this time. “I should’ve said it days ago. I should’ve said it the night Alex told us he was okay with us. But I didn’t want to threaten what we had, to change it. But I can’t hold it back anymore. I love you so, so much, Becca.”

“I love you too,” I cry, tears pricking my eyes. “So much. I….”

He takes a step back when I move to touch him. For a second, hurt stabs into the moment, but then I see his eyes becoming shimmery.

“I have to say this before we kiss. I have to.”

I start waving my hands as he bends on one knee, hardly knowing what I’m doing. Giddiness runs through me, making my whole body feel bright and fuzzy.

Reaching into his pocket, he opens a ring box, so the diamond shines up at me. It’s large and round and beautiful, set within an elegant band.

A thought hits me, he must really love whoever he’s giving that to.

And then I laugh, pure delight bursting out of me. I’m that woman. I’m his as much as he’s mine.

“Becca Larson, my Becca bee…will you marry me?”

“Yes,” I cry, jumping up and down with all the happiness bursting through me. “A million times yes, Ben.”

He lets out a cheer, his hand shaking as he grabs the ring and then reaches over for my hand. I try to offer it to him, and we get all jumbled up, both of us laughing now.

“Give me that,” he says, chuckling as he takes my wrist and guides the ring onto my finger.

He stands, holding both my hands in his, staring at me like I’m the only person who exists.

“I love you,” he whispers, reaching up to brush a strand of hair from my face. “Every little thing about you, Becca. I love you so much it aches.”

“I love you so much,” I whisper in response, leaning up for a kiss.