Everyone sat down and passed around the first course. Another thing I loved about Walter and Eva was that they cooked together, and their food was always good.

“This looks amazing,” I said.

“Coming from you, Sloane, I know that’s high praise indeed,” Eva said as she passed around a bowl of vegetables. “So, how is the fashion world?”

“It’s the same. Cutthroat. I’m trying to put together a show and not go bankrupt.” And failing at it right now. I needed a venue that wasn’t going to charge me a huge amount, and I was striking out so far.

“Well, is there anything you need?” I told her that I needed a place to hold it for starters.

“Let me see what I can do. I’ll get back to you as soon as I know something.” That was Eva. Always wanting to help those less fortunate than she was.

“That would be wonderful. Thank you so much.” Rory, Lucah, and Walter were talking about something work-related, and Eva reprimanded them to include the rest of us.

“Sorry. We were just talking about one of our employees. We’re done now,” Walter said. Wine was passed around, and I definitely partook. I wasn’t driving.

“And how is your brother?” Eva said to Lucah. Ugh. I couldn’t escape Ryder even when I wasn’t with him. He was always there anyway.

I wasn’t in love with him.

“He’s doing well. He’s got a job and an apartment and is on the way to recovery. I’m keeping my fingers crossed,” Lucah said. “I just hope this time it will stick.”

I looked down at my plate and pretended they were talking about someone I didn’t know. Someone I’d never met.

Rory nudged my foot under the table. I nudged her back.

“That’s got to be tough,” Walter said. “But he’s very lucky to have you. You’re a good man, Lucah.” Now that was high praise, considering that Walter was also Lucah’s boss.

“Thank you, Walter,” Lucah said, his face going red. He took a sip of wine and cleared his throat. He reached out and took Rory’s hand. Oh, I knew where this was going.

“I would like to make an announcement,” Lucah said. It seemed silly to be so formal since there were only five of us, but it didn’t matter.

We all put down our forks, and Lucah coughed.

“What I’m trying to say is that I’ve asked Rory to marry me, and she has accepted.” Rory started laughing and flashed her left hand, where the ring she’d previously been wearing on her right gleamed.

Both Walter and Eva jumped to their feet to embrace their daughter and son-in-law to be. Feeling left out, I jumped up and gave Rory a huge hug.

“So it’s official?” I said. She hadn’t told her parents about the whole pre-engagement, so this was the first they were hearing about it. Eva was crying and dabbing her eyes with her napkin, and Walter was red-faced and wouldn’t stop hugging everyone. It was a moment of absolute and pure joy.

“I always thought you would end up with Fin, but this makes me so happy,” Eva said.

“Mom. Fin and I aren’t going to happen. You really need to let that dream die,” she said, rolling her eyes like a pouty teenager.

Eva sighed and wiped her eyes again. I knew she had mascara on, but it wasn’t running at all. I made a note to ask her what kind she used before I left.

“I can’t say I’m surprised, but this is wonderful news. Wonderful!” Walter boomed. “We need champagne.” He and Eva rushed off to find champagne and glasses.

“Congratulations, you two. I’m so glad that it’s official, official.” I gave Rory another hug and she squeezed me back.

“I have a huge favor to ask you . . .” I knew exactly what she was going to ask before she even asked it. I’d been waiting for this moment for so long.

“Yes, I will make your wedding dress.” We looked at each other and I couldn’t help but start to cry.

“Good. Because I’m not getting anything off the rack. And I also wanted to ask if you’ll be my maid of honor.” I had a feeling she’d ask me that as well, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up.

“Really?” I said, wiping my eyes.

“Of course. Who else would I ask?” she said like I was crazy.

Tags: Chelsea M. Cameron Erotic
Source: readsnovelonline.net