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Millie rolls her eyes and nods. “Yes. You’re clearly dying to.”
Alexis giggles and says, “Millie and Ryland havefinallyset a date for their wedding. She’s asked me to help plan it because one of my bucket list items is to plan a big party.”
“This bucket list of yours keeps changing,” Ethan mutters, affection obvious in his voice.
“Oh shut up. It keeps things exciting. You just tag along for the ride.” Alexis pecks him on the lips.
We laugh and heckle Ryland because the damn asshole took long enough to seal the deal with his girl.
“It’s not my fault! I asked so many times, but Millie wants to wait until she gets her PhD,” Ryland grumbles.
“I like following a specific order,” Millie quips.
“Which means I’ll be getting more grandkids soon, right?” Dad murmurs, and Millie turns red.
“Maybe. But after the wedding ceremony…because, order.”
Ryland snakes his hand behind his fiancée’s nape, pulls her to him, and kisses her.
“Damn. Someone wants to skip to the baby making already.” Taylor snickers.
“We’re married first. Don’t let them cut in line,” Charles whispers not so quietly.
Taylor’s eyes snap to Charles, and the two have an entire conversation without words.
“So, when is it your turn, Rex? The last single Anderson male other than little Levi.” Steven nudges me.
Arching my brow, I smile and turn to Olivia, who’s still laughing with the girls, happiness brimming on her face.
“Funny you should ask, because something is weighing down my pocket,” I murmur and tug Olivia’s hand.
My palms grow sweaty and my pulse batters my ears.
She swivels her head toward me, her eyes comically large when she sees me dropping a knee to the floor.
“My sweet darling Olive, the reformer of bad boys, the healer of hearts. I love you so much.” Pulling the black velvet ring box out of my pocket, I snap it open and turn it to face her.
Five carats. Flawless color, cut, and clarity. A central princess-cut diamond framed by a halo of smaller stones.
For my lover, my princess, my life.
“Will you be my forever and let me love you for eternity? Will you make me the happiest man on earth and marry me?”
Someone shrieks in joy—Lana, I think—before the sound is abruptly cut off.
I spot Elias lurking in the background, his hand covering Lana’s mouth and muttering, “Calm yourself, woman. She hasn’t answered him yet.”
Biting back a smile, I wait with bated breath as Olivia stares at the ring, then at me.
I nod to her parents standing behind her. “I’ve gotten permission from your parents. I think I won them over because I’m learning Mandarin and can cook a mean stir-fry. Doesn’t hurt to know I can run a dishwasher and I definitely want kids.” I wink, even though my heart is careening out of control.
The room breaks out in laughter, and her parents beam at us.
Olivia blinks, her lips curving into a watery smile.
Moisture gathers in her eyes.
Then she nods.