In a blur of hugs and tears, Libby and Reagan were at the center of a love bomb that somehow got them outside to the courtyard. With a lot of work, they’d turned it into a proper garden, and her massive dragon guarded it from his place at the center.
“I didn’t plan this part,” she confessed against the shell of Reagan’s ear as they were led to two chairs set out in front of the dragon.
Reagan slipped her hand in hers. “I know,” she smiled. “I did.”
Dropping on one knee, Reagan took her own little box out of her apron pocket. Libby shot a look at her family. No one was surprised, and it was Libby’s turn to cry. Double agents.
“Lib, you are without a doubt the best thing that’s ever happened to me. You’ve taught me that anything is possible,” she said as her voice cracked under the weight of her restrained emotion. “You made me want to work harder and stay focused. You have literally made my dreams come true in every way. For that, I o er you my complete and unconditional love. Plus, I promise that every now and again, I’ll be the one to pick up the frozen pizza at the store.”
Overwhelmed with laughter and tears, all Libby could do was nod emphatically until Reagan slid the teardrop shaped garnet onto her finger.
“I love you,” Libby managed before kissing her lips made salty from tears.
“I love you too,” Reagan replied, returning her kiss before picking her up and spinning her around.
When they’d calmed and the plastic cups full of champagne had been passed around, Libby’s grandmother cleared her throat as she tapped on her cup to get everyone’s attention.
“I think you all know I’m not a woman of many words, and I hadn’t intended on making any great speeches, but I do want to say something. My Elisabeth is my pride and joy.”
She raised her glass as Libby tried and failed not to start crying again. “She deserves the very best,” she said so sternly Libby worried about what was coming next. “And
Reagan, my darling, I believe she has found that in you.
Welcome to our family.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Cassanova,” Reagan managed, her voice still trembling.
“You’ll be my granddaughter soon. Call me Mima,” she said much to everyone’s shock. “Hit it, Taylor,” she said, giving some kind of signal.
After a few moments, slow instrumental music filled the courtyard.
“What’s this?” Libby whispered as she leaned into Reagan’s space.
“I honestly don’t know,” she replied.
“This is my engagement gift,” her grandmother replied before clearing her throat and starting to sing Con los Años Que Me Quedan, a Gloria Estefan ballad Libby hadn’t heard since she was a kid.
As her grandmother sang in the most beautiful voice she’d ever heard, Libby’s jaw dropped. In her life, she’d never heard her grandmother so much as hum. She had no idea what an incredible voice she had.
“Would my fiancée care to dance?” Reagan asked, extending her hand.
Libby couldn’t feel anything below her knees, but how could she resist? As her grandmother serenaded them, everyone else joined them for a slow dance.
Hooking her arms around Reagan’s neck, Libby stared into her gleaming brown eyes. “I can’t believe I got so lucky,” she said as she swayed to the music.
“I’m the lucky one,” Reagan replied, taking her by the hand and giving her a little twirl before holding her close again.
Libby wanted to stay in that moment, forever surrounded by the love of all the people they cared about. In her heart
she vowed never to take a single day spent next to Reagan for granted.