Page 56 of Promise Not to Fall for the Rich & Famous

“They do,” Gage said with a nod.

“Over the years,” Brock started, “you’ve been spotted with popular socialite Diana McCarthy. Word has it that your father was hoping you’d give her another chance. Is that true?”

Gage tipped his head. “He’s spoken with me about her recently, yes. But I think Diana and I both agree that we’re not a great match.”

“Oh my gosh,” Jill and Mom gushed in unison.

“That was probably what you overheard,” Jill mumbled.

“I guess it might have been,” Carly said with a nod. Relief washed through her at the idea. Another dose of tingly excitement did too. Could this really be happening?

“So I guess the question is,” Tristi said, her serious-face in full gear, “does your famous father approve of this relationship?”

There it was, that sneaky word Carly had warned him about during their very first date. She leaned in, knowing how much the seemingly harmless question meant to Gage.

He lifted his shoulders and peered into the lens.

Carly’s heart skipped a dozen beats in the short pause.

“I can honestly say that I don’t care either way.”

Brock gave him a nod. “That’s a good man.”

“I do, however,” Gage added, “feel confident that once my parents meet Carly, they’ll be as crazy about her as I am.”

“So what’s the final thing you’d like to say before you head out and practice all those moves your instructor taught you?”

Gage grinned. “First, I just ask that the tabloids who printed the misleading article retract it so that my lawyers and I aren’t forced to pursue sticky lawsuits, which we’re prepared to do. Second, I ask that you all consider donating to the cause posted on your screen. In a case like this one, education can literally save lives. And lastly, I have something to say to Carly.” His eyes narrowed as he locked his gaze. “I fall deeper and deeper for you every day. I love you, and I very much hope to marry you one day.”

“Whoa,” Brock said.

Tristi fanned her face. “Lucky girl.”

“I’ll say,” her mom mumbled from her spot on the bench.

Jill, who hadn’t managed to hold still the entire time, clapped her hands. “That was amazing.”

“Marry him one day?” Carly floated on those words as she came to her feet and walked toward the screen. She stared at Gage’s handsome face until they went to commercial, then spun around and started jumping in place like Jill.

Her mother joined too, the three gripping hands and squealing like schoolgirls.

“You have to go to him,” Jill said, stilling the celebration dance. “You were going to go back tomorrow night anyway. Go now, so you can see Gage before he leaves.”

Carly nodded. “Okay, yeah. I think I will.” She considered the events leading up to the show. “How did you guys know Gage was going to be on TV?”

Jill grinned. “Christian called the house number. Mom answered. He told us all about it and said whatever we did, we had to get you in front of that screen.”

Carly’s smile grew. “I’m so glad you did.”

With the help of her mom and her sister, Carly got packed up and ready to go. It was time to push those fears aside once and for all and see what kind of life she might have. Time to get started on that happily ever after.

CHAPTER 24

Gage hovered over the velvet-lined case, eyes tracing over the details of one ring after the next. Elbow resting on the glass case, excitement brewing in his heart, Gage leaned in to inspect them further. Carly’s sister Jill, bless her, had managed to get the rundown on rings, meaning she’d get the ring she wanted, while Gage’s proposal would have the element of surprise. Of course, they’d been talking about marriage for months now, but Gage had been holding out for just the right time to pop the question.

With New Years right around the bend, a day that represented the very idea of fresh starts, it stood out among the prospective dates. Plus, as he and Carly stepped onto the red carpet for the upcoming movie premiere, Gage could proudly declare that he’d already put a ring on that finger of hers.

“Am I the only one who thinks these all look the same?” his father asked under his breath.