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“Oh, I do, do I?” He smiles down at me, tugging me into his arms. “Well, if the whole town is sneaking around, trying to catch glimpses of me, you’ll be in the same boat, baby.”
“Well, then I guess you’ll just have to stick beside me to make sure I’m nice and protected, won’t you?” I tease, snuggling up against his chest.
“Oh, fuck yeah,” he growls, running his hand down my back toward my ass.
“Nope!” Lyra cries suddenly. “Absolutely no touching her ass while we’re standing here, Joshua Edward Brunts. I just forgave you. Don’t make me take it back.”
“Did she just full-name me?” he whispers, staring at me with wide eyes.
“Uh-huh, she did,” I whisper back, trying not to laugh.
“What? You think you’re the only one who can investigate people?” She smirks, a self-satisfied gleam in her eye. “Giant is basically family to us. He was more than happy to dig up dirt on you for me.” She bats her lashes at him. “He said next time, call at a decent hour.”
“That son of a bitch,” Josh breathes, making Melody and Harmony laugh. Even Lyra cracks a smile.
I exhale a tiny breath, melting into Josh. My sisters and the love of my life are getting along. This is better than magic. This is a dream come true.
CHAPTER 8
JOSH
There's a certain thrill in the air as I pack my bag, thoughts bouncing around my head like pinballs. This trip to Florida isn't just any regular getaway. I’m introducing Lyric to Pops and Gram—which is huge—but I’m also planning to propose. Just thinking about it makes my heart race.
Ever since she first stepped into my office, I've been dreaming about this moment. I want it to be perfect. And, honestly, there's no better place than Pops’ pond, the backdrop of so many of my childhood memories. It’s serene, familiar, and holds the kind of family love that I want to share with Lyric forever.
I'm up early, buzzing with anticipation, and by the time I wake up Lyric, my vehicle’s packed not just with our clothes but with things we might need for the trip... and my secret weapon, the three-carat engagement ring.
We'd been talking about this trip for the last couple of weeks, and the stars finally aligned when Cash Montoya, CEO of Montoya Investments and a longtime friend of mine, agreed to lend me his private plane for the journey.
The day starts bright and promising as we make our way to the small local airport where Cash’s sleek private jet waits.
“Wow, I can’t believe you got a private jet for our trip.” Lyric quips, awe lighting her eyes as we pull up. She’s sporting her usual effortless elegance, combining comfort and style like she invented it.
“Only the best for you.” I pull her curvy body close and kiss her sweet lips.
“I love you,” she groans against my lips, and I forget about the flight attendant and pilot watching our display.
“I love you, too.” I lead her onto the spacious jet and help her get hooked into one of the leather seats.
The plane ride itself is smooth and uneventful. Lyric sits across from me, engrossed in the view, her eyes wide when we break through cloud cover into brilliant blue.
A little over an hour later, we touch down in Florida, where the air feels thicker and is scented with ocean salt and sun-kissed earth. It’s comfortable and familiar, much like stepping into a cherished memory.
The drive to Pops’ place is another dose of nostalgia, each mile streaked by swaying palms and unabashed sunshine. Lyric’s chattering beside me about our plans, and I sense how nervous she is. I take her soft hand in mine and bring it to my lips. “They are going to love you.”
“I hope so.” She gives me an unsure smile. “This is gorgeous.” Lyric looks around as the small bungalow comes into view. It sits nestled gently amidst whispering palms and the roaring Atlantic Ocean surf. Its exterior, painted in soft pastels of coral and turquoise, blends seamlessly with the lush surroundings, exuding a relaxed coastal charm.
A cozy porch wraps around the front, adorned with a pair of rocking chairs and a small table. Pops and Gram step out on the porch and wave as we drive up. I help Lyric out of the rental SUV and grasp her soft hand in mine reassuringly.
“There’s my boy!” Pops shouts, a slow grin spreading over his weathered face. “How did your ugly ass find such a gorgeous girl?” He pulls Lyric in for a hug and whispers to her, “Call me Pops, gorgeous girl.”
“I have no idea how I got lucky enough to win her heart.” I laugh and hug him while Gram reaches for Lyric.
“Nice to meet you, Lyric.” Gram gives my girl a big hug. “I’ve been waiting to meet the woman who stole my Josh’s heart.”
Lyric laughs, falling easily into their embrace. “It’s wonderful to meet both of you. Josh has told me so much about you and this place.”
Introductions blur into a warm welcome that only Pops and Gram can deliver. Gram ushers us inside with promises of her infamous lemonade and chocolate chip cookies.
