But, oh, I did.
My pulse quickened and the audience faded until it felt like it was just us, all alone in this enormous space.
“Is this for me?” My voice was tight because not only was the watch gorgeous, but there was also meaning behind it. He wanted me to start making new, happier memories.
He lifted the microphone so everyone could hear. “You can still steal mine anytime you’d like.” A few people chuckled, but his gaze didn’t waver from me. His eyes gleamed. “By the way, there’s something on the back. Go ahead and read it out loud.”
I turned it over to see the tiny printing there and looked down to read the inscription. “What would you do to me if you could?”
“Well, Emery, I think I’d marry you.”
I blinked in stunned surprise, and glanced back at him, only to find he was no longer standing.
Oh, my God.
He’d directed my focus flawlessly, so I hadn’t seen him move. He was down on a knee with the microphone in one hand, and a ring in the other.
All the air in the huge room disappeared. I went weightless, but he held me tightly with the way he peered up at me. His expression was full of love and hope.
“I want us to spend the rest of our lives together.” His tone was teasing . . . but also completely serious. “What do you say? Is that allowed?”
I didn’t have to think about it. My answer was automatic. “Yes, Vance.” I matched his playful yet serious tone. “I’ll allow it.”
An enormous grin burst on his face as he climbed to his feet and then charged toward the stage. I met him halfway, of course, because we were partners. I leapt into his arms and his lips crashed into mine because neither of us could stand another second apart.
When we’d first met, I’d thought we’d never work. I couldn’t see a future for myself, and certainly not one for him that included me. I’d never been so happy to be wrong. We’d each worked to unlock the other person’s heart, and I knew we’d solve anything else life threw at us.
Because we’d do it together.