Page 113 of The Other Brother

I kissed Charlotte’s temple and smiled. “How much I love you.”

“Besides that. You’ve been acting weird all day. Tell me.”

My stomach twisted with anticipation. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Eat your cake.”

Charlotte gave me the side-eye, and I grinned.

Time crept by. We ate our cake and watched Khloe open her presents. Then, it was finally time to leave. I drove as fast as I could without raising Charlotte’s suspicion.

“I can’t wait to get our comfy clothes on. Shall we Netflix and chill tonight?” Charlotte asked as we made our way up the stairs to our apartment.

My hand shook as I twisted the key in the lock. “Sure. There’s just something I have to do first.” I peeked inside before fully opening the door.

Mallory came through.

“What are you doing?” Charlotte nudged me gently.

“Just checking.” I opened the door and walked inside.

“Checking for wha—” Charlotte’s mouth dropped open as she stepped through the doorway.

I tugged on her arm until she was standing in the middle of the living room. Red and pink stemless Gerbera daisies were scattered all over the floor, LED candles strategically placed amongst them. I took Charlotte’s hands in mine and turned her to face me.

“Since the moment you walked into my life, my heart has belonged to you. You’ve made me a better man. You’ve made my life better just by being in it. I love you more than words can say.”

A tear rolled down Charlotte’s cheek. “I love you, Tanner. What is all this?”

I cradled her precious face in my hands and pressed my forehead against hers. For just a moment, I closed my eyes. “I want to spend forever with you.” Releasing her face, I dug the box out of my pocket and slowly dropped down on one knee.

Charlotte’s hands flew to her mouth as she gasped.

I opened the box before her. “Charlotte, will you wash our clothes according to the instructions on the tag for the rest of our lives?”

More tears spilled as she giggled. “Yes!” She fell to her knees and kissed me sweetly.

“Yes?”

“Yes,” she breathed.

Yes.