Page 108 of Plot Twist

‘Riley, I don’t have the words prepared to say what I want to say. The romantic stuff is definitely more your domain. So instead, I’m going to borrow a quote from my favourite author.’

I paused and he smiled, as I continued. ‘To quote Alice inThe Fall Out: “I waited for you without even knowing what the wait was for. Before you, each morning was bleak and every evening was empty. I know now. I almost lost you once and I won’t do it again. You are my soul and I am yours.”’

Riley grinned as he bent down on one knee in front of me. He clasped my shaking hands in his. I looked into his eyes and felt tears rising in my own.

‘Becca, I’ve also chosen to read a line from my favourite author. To quote Anna inQueen Bee: “No matter what I do, I look round and you’re cheering me on with everything you have. I didn’t know how much I needed that. A best friend for life.” Becca, you are my best friend. I love you with everything I have, and I want you by my side for everything that’s to come.’

I gulped as he reached into his pocket and produced a black box. I narrowed my eyes and fished in my handbag too, presenting the ring box. Riley threw his head back and his loud laugh vibrated around the room. I grinned through my tears.

We opened the boxes at the same time. I gazed down at the ring he’d selected for me. A large diamond flanked by a series of smaller stones. It was beautiful. Perfect.

‘I love it!’ I exclaimed.

Riley audibly gasped as he examined the ring I held in front of him.

‘That ring,’ he said, taking it carefully out of the navy-blue box. His mouth formed a perfect circle. ‘It’s exactly like—’

‘I know,’ I nodded, my smile wide. ‘It’s exactly like your dad’s wedding ring. The one that was stolen from Bellinder Cottage. I contacted antique stores and jewellery stores across the country hoping I could find the actual ring, but no one had it. So I went through old photos and contacted a jeweller in Dublin to make it for you.’

Riley traced his finger along the platinum band. ‘I. . . I can’t believe you did that.’

I grinned. ‘Now, who’s the best at grand gestures? In your face, Riley O’Connell.’

‘That’s going to be a tough one to beat, for sure. But I’ll spend my life trying, if you’ll let me.’

I offered a wobbly smile as he cleared his throat.

‘Becca Taylor, will you marry me?’

I placed the ring on his finger, in return.

‘Only if you’ll marry me first.’