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“Yes, Ma’am- reason one million and one right there.” He pushes me down on the sofa and covers my body with his. “Let’s go to the courthouse tomorrow and elope. I won’t tell anyone; you can still plan the elaborate party next summer. Be my wife tomorrow.”
“Nope, I want the whole pomp and circumstance, and my mom would kill us. You’ll just have to be happily engaged for awhile.”
“You’re killing me, but at least know the offer still stands anytime you want it. Courthouse, Vegas, or full-on service with hundreds of guests and a huge party, you will marry me.”
“You do know how to melt my heart, Declan Collins.”
He moves to remove my shirt, but I stop him. “Not tonight, too many images running through my mind. Just hold me close.”
His face shuts down, but he carries me to the bed and holds me all night, whispering his love for me.
*****
I finally return home on New Year’s Eve. I had told the girls beforehand that a few people were coming over to hang out. They had gone in to party mode. Our bar is set up, the music is playing, and the food is laid out. It’s almost 5:30 when my brother stalks in and looks around.
“Where the fuck is he?” He spews at me.
“Who?”
“The asswipe I’m going to beat the shit out of. You know who.”
“If you are referring to, Declan, he’s in my bathroom; I’ll go get him.” This can’t be good. Maybe it’s about the DVD, but I don’t think Finn would have told him.
The morning after the DVD arrived, Declan called Finn over and we explained the whole situation including the threat. Finn didn’t watch the video, but he glared at Declan when he found out what was on it. He promised to keep it confidential. He told Declan to let him know when he wouldn’t be around me so he could be there instead. Finn took all the packaging with him so he could fingerprint it at the office. He also made sure Declan had his weapon too. Finn had a few choice words with Declan before he left, but hugged me tight. He had spotted the ring on my finger and told me how happy he was for me. I knew he was going to flip a lid when he watched the video, but I assured him I was okay.
So I’m confused as I walk into the bathroom where Declan’s getting dressed. Why is my brother so angry?
“Dec, my brother is here looking for you and he’s seething mad. What happened?”
He sighs as he takes his lip ring out and hands it to me. His eyebrow ring is already out.
“I guess I need to face the music. I proposed without talking to him first.”
“That’s crazy talk. He wants to beat you up because we’re getting married?”
“It’s not crazy, Sparkle. He deserves one good lick. I’d do it if the same thing happened with one of my sisters. Just give us a few minutes and it’ll be over with.”
He walks out of my room and motions to Robbie. Then he walks out the front door. I try to watch from the front window, but Finn grasps my shoulders and leads me into the kitchen where everyone else has gathered.
All my Atlanta girls are here and Jimi has his arms wrapped around Abbi. Will is here and keeping close to Ella. There’s a commotion coming from the front door. Tripp and Gabe walk in followed by Declan and Robbie. Declan’s lip is split on the bottom and his jaw is turning a nasty shade of purple. Tripp doesn’t even blink as he shouts, “We rode up and caught Robbie giving the beat down to Declan, so that can only mean one of two things-”
“Shut up, Tripp!” I scream. I want Declan and I to announce it together. He gives me a half smile but it’s completely wicked.
I walk over to Declan and slide my hand in his jeans where my ring is hiding. I slip it on and give him a slight nod so he knows I’m ready. “Yeah, Tripp, it means something. I asked Raven to marry me.”
“Holy shit, please tell me she said no.” Tripp quips back.
I bring my hand around and wiggle my fingers at everyone in the room. All the girls scream. I’m assaulted by hugs, kisses, and questions.
How did he propose?
How long have you been hiding the engagement?
Is this why you haven’t called me back?
When are you getting married?