My One And Only (Very Irresistible Bachelors 5)

“Well, if we can help with anything, just let me know,” I said. I felt like I had a lot of free time, though it wasn’t really true. The wedding planner and I wrapped up the most pressing issues for Cole’s wedding, but there was still plenty to do.

Josie and Heather nodded too.

Josie was a shark in all legal things, and Heather’s skills as a reporter came in very handy at writing press releases as well as website texts. Between all of us, we had expertise in all sorts of things.

“Let’s go to the front,” I suggested. Everyone agreed, so we returned to the group. Rob had the party catered, so we had everything from miniature sandwiches to scones in one corner of the store. Since we were serving champagne, we thought it was best to also have some food to help soak up the alcohol.

The family was milling around the small buffet, chatting with each other. Even Ian and Dylan had come for the opening, which I really appreciated.

We put a huge Christmas tree in the display window. It was a snowy mid-December day, and it all looked so magical. I was pleased with how the decorations turned out inside the store. We only had Christmas lights in the display window and on the tree. Keeping it simple prevented guests from tripping over cords—but as soon as the party was over, I planned to unleash myself and really decorate it all up.

I spotted Liam chatting with Rob and Hunter, and my heart just soared. He turned around, as if he felt I was watching him. He held out his hand for me, and I immediately walked over to him. Who could resist those baby-blue eyes? Not this girl.

“Hey, beautiful,” he said, kissing my hand, then pulling me close enough that I thought he’d kiss my lips too. Only he didn’t.

“Ready for the toast?” he asked.

“Yes. Everyone’s had the tour.”

He led me toward the second small table dedicated to drinks. They already poured champagne in all the glasses.

“Attention, everyone. We’d like to make a toast,” I said.

Everyone shuffled around the room, grabbing a glass. Skye came to stand next to me.

“Thank you all for coming here today,” she said. “We couldn’t have done this without all of you. Thank you for all your support, for always being here for us.”

“It’s all been a crazy ride, so thanks for putting up with us,” I added. I was so happy to be surrounded by everyone I loved. I turned to Liam. “Also, a huge thanks to this wonderful man I’m lucky enough to call my boyfriend. He’s the best partner we could wish for. The best man I could wish for. Thank you for being part of my life.”

I looked at my mom, a bit surprised at her misty eyes.

“Mom, why are you tearing up?” I asked.

“I’m just so proud of you. All of you. It’s a parent’s biggest wish for their children to do well, to be happy.”

Oh no. Now I was tearing up too.

Liam tapped his fingers against his glass. “I’d like to say a few words too.”

I nodded, happy someone else was taking over, because I was sure my voice would come out a little wobbly. He brought one hand to the side of my waist, pulling me closer.

“When I met Tess, my first thought was ‘I’m in trouble.’ I could barely focus on anything that wasn’t her. Then as I got to know her better, I realized I was in very big trouble.”

Everyone laughed. I felt my cheeks heat up. I loved the way he held me as he spoke.

“Babe, I love your passion and dedication, your determination to fight for what you want.” He paused and took in a deep breath, cocking his head to look at me. “And I’m so damn lucky that you want me.”

He let go of my waist, and I immediately felt cold and wanted him to touch me, but my man seemed to have a plan. I tilted my head toward him, and a strand of hair came loose from my braid. He pushed it behind my ear before taking a step back.

Someone in the group started whispering something, but my ears became fuzzy the second I realized Liam was lowering himself to one knee. My heart started beating so fast that I couldn’t even breathe. I pressed a palm to my stomach when he pulled a ring from his back pocket. No box, just the most beautiful ring I’d ever seen. The band was a mix of platinum and gold, and there were three stones in the center: a ruby, a sapphire, and an emerald.

“Tess Winchester, after today, I no longer want to be your boyfriend. I want to be your fiancé.”

His hand was shaking a little, so I took a step forward, cupping his outstretched hand with both of mine.

“I want you to be my partner in all things, the mother of my children, my wife. You’re an amazing human being.”

His voice was strong, his eyes determined, and all I could do was nod. My hands were shaking now, and he was the one steadying me as he slid the ring on my finger. I jumped in his arms before he even finished rising to his feet, but my strong man didn’t even wobble. My ears started working again, and I heard everyone cheering and clapping. I hugged him tightly, hiding my face in his neck and breathing him in for a few moments. I couldn’t believe this was real, that he loved me so much.