Declan peered over the top of Errin’s head and noticed that everyone already stood in position. His heart rate picked up and a wave of nausea followed. He cracked his neck and glanced over his shoulder at Bree. She shook her head at him like he’d lost it.
Errin stepped aside and as pre-arranged, this would make way for Bree to look out into the backyard.
Only she didn’t. Declan still annoyed her, and she wanted to make sure he knew. She stared him down like he needed to tell her right now what he’s been hiding or else she was going to kick his arse. When he tugged her hair, she blinked once, and she finally noticed their families standing in the backyard.
Declan searched for Brennan who stood next to Pops who’d already been tearing up. Declan smiled, and then he locked eyes with Ro. His twin nodded and smiled the biggest smile he’d ever seen him give.
Declan gently took Bree’s bicep in his hand and directed them to the middle of the backyard, surrounded by their closest family and friends. Joan and her daughters had mingled in between the Mills family. Aiden and Keenan stood under the tree house where Tommy was hanging from the rope to go down. The Walsh sisters had found their spot next to their Mills' boyfriend.
This was it. Bree would think he would tell everyone they were having twins. But first he wanted to surprise his love. After a quick nod at his Dad, Declan went down on one knee.
“Ooh my…” Bree put a hand against her mouth. He heard Errin starting with “Aaah,” followed by several other women present.
He raked a hand through his hair before he took her hand in his. Her hand trembled just like his. He closed his eyes to take a calming breath.
“My sweet, sweet, Love…. As you can see, we’ve pimped the tree house for this special occasion.”
He followed Bree’s eyes as they went over to the tree house. On top of the tree house hung a golden banner with the red velvet text:
I love you, Bree. Marry Me?
Bree blinked away the tears that threatened to fall and ruin her mascara. The text on the golden banner had everything she could ever wish for. Finally. Bree realized how she’d longed to hear those words from him.
Declan squeezed her hand and when she looked down into his gray eyes, he said, “You were six when you knocked me off my feet. You came around the house, talked for hours with Pops. Played video games with all of us. And you even climbed onto the roof of the tree house.”
“I dare you to do it again,” Ronan shouted. “Well, when you’re not pregnant, that is.”
Brennan cuffed him on the back of the head to shut up. Bree let out a nervous laugh and shook her head at Declan’s twin.
“Anyone who’s ever been up there, has seen our initials: B + D. It has always been you, Bree. You are the most precious, funny, sweet, kind… and sexy—”
“Now we’re talking!” Aiden shouted, making everyone laugh. Bree blushed so hard her cheeks hurt.
Declan smiled at her. “You are the most important person in my life. I made a mistake last March by not letting you in. I was afraid of losing you. Of losing us.”
She nodded, and a tear fell from her chin. A weight lifted off her shoulders. The past didn’t matter anymore. Him declaring his love for her in front of their family and friends was all that mattered. He had his eyes on their future and that was exactly what she was going to do.
“During the months that followed, I’ve been a total wreck. And—”
“And an arsehole…” Ro snickered at his own joke but stopped at Fi’s icy glare. Bree stared down at Dec sitting on one knee in front of her. His watery eyes matched hers.
“And I never,ever, want to miss you from my life again. I can’t wait to start our own little family. All my dreams are coming true, but there is one last thing. Will you please do me the honor in becoming my wife? Make me the happiest man alive?”
She took his face in-between her palms and leaned in to kiss him.
Their friends and family cheered so loud, the neighbor’s dogs howled.
He whispered against her lips, “Is that a yes?”
She leaned back and shouted, “Yes!”
He stood up from the one knee and whirled her in his arms. He kissed her and held her close. His warmth engulfed her, and she almost forgot they stood surrounded by their friends and family. Right. The twins.
She stopped the kiss. “There’s something I’d like to say.”
Declan winked at Bree, giving her the spotlight to bring the news.
“Everyone, shut yer face. Bree wants to talk!”