Page 25 of Sturdy & Dirty

The tears were a steady stream now, and I didn’t trust my voice for even a second. But I gave it a go anyway.

“Yes,” I croaked. “Yes, yes. All the yesses that could possibly exist in the world. It will always be yes to you, Austin Davis. Always.”

His relief was palpable as he blew out a weighty breath. And I couldn’t hold back anymore. I flung myself at him—not unlike the night of our first date—and he caught me.

I knew he always would.

He stood, bringing me up with him, and pulled back to slide the ring on my finger.

“It’s a perfect fit,” I whispered.

“Just like us.”

Out of nowhere, I heard my sister’s voice and the curtain to our booth was drawn back.

“She said yesssss!” Ivy squealed, and the room erupted in applause.

That was when I noticed all the tables were filled with our friends. The Chub Club ladies and Chunks. Konner’s construction crew. Ruby from the salon. And… a new face I hadn’t expected to see.

Brigette.

She’d been by the salon a few times for new color. Once, she mentioned that her and Rex were over. I was confident she’d find herself one day too. Just like all of us. And when she did, I hoped she’d be wearing flowers.

Austin pulled me close. “You had me in knots, you know?”

I laughed. “I’m sorry. I was so happy I couldn’t get my fingers to work.”

“I love making you happy,” he murmured. “I’m really glad you fell for me that day at the build.”

The urge to tease him was undeniable.

“If I remember correctly, it was you who fell for me.”

He grinned like he’d won a different game.

“Oh, I definitely fell for you. Sturdy as I am, I don’t think I’ll ever stop falling.”

And then he kissed the promise into my heart.

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