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Henry kisses me one more time before opening the door to his sons, laughing in the doorway.
I wave silently, not wanting to give anything away.
With more than enough time to get ready, I decide to pick up my e-reader. Our days have been filled with waves of uncontrollable pleasures, which hasn’t left much time for reading.Not that I’m complaining.The only book I’ve readisPride and Prejudice, to discuss the adaptation with Henry. I think it’s time to revisit Captain Wentworth—surely, he misses me.
Tonight is New Year’s Eve. My favorite holiday is one most people overlook, but that’s one of the things I love about it. I like that I’m the only one who makes a big deal about it because that makes it feel more like it’s just for me.
Yet, after tonight, it will always be special for Oliver and Hannah as well. I can’t wait to see the look on her face when he gets down on one knee.
Next to my new bouquet of flowers is the alarm clock with the time showing ten minutes before 8:00 p.m. Butterflies start to dance in my stomach as my excitement builds. I’m all about being ready early, but now all I have to do is sit and wait until Henry comes to fetch me.
Getting dressed this evening is nothing like the other night when Henry cooked for me. My hair looks different thanks to the amazing hair stylist at the salon we visited this afternoon. My makeup is done and I’ve selected a black sequin dress that covers much more of my body, well at least my top. The dress has flowing long sleeves and covers most of my neckline. Yet, it does show a lot more leg, cutting off a couple of inches above my knees, so I paired it with black tights and my knee-high boots.
The guys all got ready in the spare bedroom so as to not risk us seeing the decorations before it was time.
Three loud knocks strike the door before Henry entersthe room. My breath catches as he stalks toward me. I notice he is wearing the same suit he wore the other night.
He notices my recognition. “I had it dry cleaned. For you,” he says with a mischievous smile.
“Well if I had known,” I tease. “Let me go change into the dress I wore then.”
Turning toward the closet, he quickly pulls me back. “That dress is for my eyes only,” he says with a growl behind his words.
“Yes, sir.” While curling into his embrace, we are once again interrupted.
“Pop, let’s go. Time to get out here with your girl,” Oliver yells, his words rushing out quickly.
“The rest of us are waiting on you,” Finn yells.
We move quickly hand and hand out the door, but to keep up the act for Hannah, Henry adds, “Just had to get her blindfold on. All set. Here we go.”
Next, Finn goes in to relieve Mia with similar announcements about her eyes being covered when they really aren’t.
The four of us huddle at the bottom of the stairs, waiting for Hannah and Oliver to arrive.
Silent smiles are exchanged as we watch Hannah with her blindfold on at the top of the staircase. Rather than taking their time, Oliver sweeps her up in his arms and carries her down. We all nod and signal that the cameras are hidden in position, and we all have our phones ready behind our backs.
Placing Hannah on her feet, he kneels beside her.
“What do I do now?” she asks.
He opens the ring box in her direction, clears histhroat, and answers, “I’ll take the blindfold off now.” But it’s really Mia behind Hannah, gently pulling at the loose knot behind Hannah’s hair.
When she notices Oliver kneeling at her feet, Hannah’s face changes to stunned before she brings her hands to cover her nose and mouth. The quintessential proposal pose, according to Mia, who is currently shining a smug smile my way.
Oliver’s nerves are getting the best of him. “Hannah…I…I had a huge speech that I’ve spent days trying to memorize, but now I don’t remember any of it.”
Her sweet laugh physically eases him enough to continue. “You are my life and my better half. I never want to spend another day without you. I love you and will continue loving you for the rest of my life, if you’ll have me.” An anxious squeal escapes Hannah’s lips and he smiles up at her. “Hannah, Will you marry me?”
“Yes!” she screams as she throws her arms around him, almost knocking Oliver onto the floor.
He catches her and stands without letting her down. “I believe this belongs to you then.” He holds up the ring.
She slips down his arms and holds her hand out. After we all capture a photo of him placing the ring on her finger, Mia begins to shoo us away from the couple. “Privacy, the newly engaged couple needs their privacy.” We follow her lead to the lounge to sit and wait for their return.
When they come over to us, we all hug and congratulate them. Hannah is giddy as she shows off her new ring.
Mia has a tight schedule and insists they make all thenecessary calls now. “Get your calls in now before everyone’s phones start blowing up with New Year’s wishes.
