I meet his gaze. He watches me with such intent focus that it steals my breath.
Tearing off the rest of the paper, a blue velvet ribbon bookmark attached to the book unfurls. A glint of metal dances from the end, where the ribbon is knotted. My eyes widen as Devlin cups my hands and kneels in the snow.
“Dev,” I whisper hoarsely.
He unknots the ribbon and presents me with a beautiful platinum ring with a moon and star fitted together around a black opal that looks like a galaxy is locked inside. It’s the prettiest piece of jewelry I’ve ever seen. Overwhelmed tears prick my eyes because this ring is…it’s us. It’s everything about Devlin and I.
“Blair.” Devlin looks from the ring to me with love shining in his eyes. “You’re my home, my magic star. I want to keep that, if you’ll have me. Forever, preferably.”
A shocked, breathy laugh leaves me. Devlin licks his lips, taking my hand. He places the ring at the tip of my finger. An excited squeal distracts me for a moment. It’s Mom, filming with her phone. She has a hand pressed to her cheek, smiling joyously.
“Did you know about this?” I call to her.
Mom nods, squealing again. Devlin strokes my knuckles with his thumb, drawing my attention.
I swipe beneath my eyes to catch the leaking tears. “Is this really happening?”
The corners of Devlin’s eyes crinkle. “When you’re ready for it, will you marry me?”
Words have escaped me. All I can do is nod, watching as if I’m outside of my body as he slips the stunning ring on my finger. A watery gasp gets stuck in my throat as I launch myself at Devlin, snaking my arms around his neck.
A relieved laugh rumbles in his chest as he clutches me close. “Love you, angel. Going to love you forever.”
Happiness like I’ve never known fills me to the brim as I hug him. Mom cheers from the front step as Devlin picks me up by the back of my thighs. My legs lock around his waist as he supports me. I grin, cupping his cheeks with cold hands and he gives me a matching expression. I kiss his smile, unable to contain my own.
“Are you sure?”
“Fuck yes.” Devlin smirks, carrying me to the house. “I’ve known I wanted to marry you since winter formal senior year.”
“Wow,” I drag out. “Long game, huh?”
Devlin’s voice drops as he brings his lips to my ear so Mom doesn’t overhear. “You know how much I love playing games with you.”
My delighted laugh echoes into the trees as we cross the threshold into the warm cottage.
Forty-Eight
Epilogue
DEVLIN
Three Years Later
After the last appointment for the day leaves, I lean back in my office chair, surveying what I’ve built for myself. The rooms are designed similarly to the rustic cabin-style house Blair and I have in the mountains, with wood accents and a focus on comfort. Art from the gallery Blair manages downtown lines the walls. My aim is to make this place feel as little like a counselor’s office as possible.
The newly established therapy practice focusing on child and adolescent psychology stirs pride in my chest. My patient list is steadily growing, but it’s not because of my parents’ reputation. It’s because of the dedication to make sure my patients are heard, determined that no child in this town will face the same lack of outlet I had growing up.
My phone lights up on the desk with a message from Bishop to our group text with Lucas. I snort at the picture he sent, helping his wife with one of her wild new ideas for her business.
Bishop: This Valentine’s you too can have your very own chocolate dick mold. [eggplant emoji] Spread the word to your wives. Family gets first dibs on orders.
Lucas: Jesus. That is way more of you than I ever wanted to see again. I’ll forward you my therapy bill. Dev, you got any openings?
Devlin: Fuck off, both of you.
Bishop: [smirking devil emoji] What, Saint, didn’t you take any nude figure drawing classes at your fancy art school?
Lucas: [middle finger emoji]