Page 183 of 10 Rings I Hate About You
Drew, operating at the pace of a snail, finally lifted the top of his box. He stared inside, barely blinking, his mouth hanging open.
“Say something,” Ellie whispered. “I know it’s not what we planned?—”
Drew’s gaze snapped up to hers, and he tenderly cupped her cheek with his hand, not bothering to take out whatever was in the box. My attention stayed locked onto my brother.
“Planning or not, outside of you agreeing to marry me, this is a day I will cherish forever. Having you in my life has brought me more joy than I ever thought possible. You helped me create a new dream and a new future that would never have happened without you by my side. And now, we’re having a baby, and I couldn’t be happier. I want to spend every day for the rest of our lives doing all of this with you: the small and big challenges, the good and the bad, and everything in between. Because together, we are better. Together, we are stronger. And together, we are unstoppable. This baby will be loved fiercely and is wanted more than I can say.”
A broad smile spread across Ellie’s face. “This baby will always know how much they are loved. They will never ever doubt that or feel like they aren’t good enough. And I feel so lucky to have you with me on this journey, Drew, because you are the love of my life.” She looked around the crowd. “And to have all of you along with us. You’ve shown me what a true andcaring family is like, and to know our child will be brought up within that circle makes me feel so blessed.”
Drew laid his hand on her belly. “When did you find out?”
Ellie wiped at the tears streaming down her cheeks and placed her hand over the back of his. “Two days ago. I went to my OB-GYN appointment and when they did the pee test it came back positive. Surprise.”
My brother started crying. Full-on tears as he hugged Ellie tightly to him. “This is the best surprise ever.”
Mom, Dad, and Glamma held up their respective gifts, a onesie that said “First Edition: Coming this December” with the picture of an open book.
The yard exploded in applause and Drew and Ellie were immediately swarmed with well wishes from everyone.
It hit me then. Not disappointment exactly. Just a readjustment of the moment I’d planned. And somehow that was okay. I was happy for my brother and Ellie.
Delaney and I stood back waiting for an opening. Her arm slid around my waist and mine around hers. “This is so sweet.”
“It is, “ I said.
Then she gave me a sassy grin, her hand sliding down my back to cup my ass. She gave it a quick squeeze, and then another one as a furrow between her brow appeared. “What’s in your pocket?”
I stilled for a second. “Nothing.”
She leaned, trying to look around me. “That was said suspiciously fast, Kingsley.”
“It wasn’t.” Damnit. I needed to distract her.
“Oh, you’re definitely hiding something.” Her eyes lit, wicked and curious. “Should I ask Glamma what’s going on?” She took a step away.
“Absolutely not.” I caught her hand before she could move any farther, tugging her back to me. She used the opportunityagainst me immediately, slipping her fingers into my back pocket.
I exhaled, dropping my forehead to hers. “Delaney.”
She leaned back and opened her palm. The key now rested in it, the bow slightly crushed. Her brows drew together. “Why do you have a key with a bow on it?”
I waited, watching the realization, as her eyes widened. “Is this for me?”
I nodded.
“Are you asking me to move in with you?” she whisper-yelled.
“I was,” I admitted. “Before—” I nodded toward Drew and Ellie.
She glanced over, then back at me, her expression softening. “I don’t think Drew planned that, either.”
Then she cupped my cheek and kissed me. “We can keep this between us,” she murmured. “But just so you know? You asking me to move in is incredibly hot.”
Despite everything, I laughed. “Good to know.”
Delaney tucked the key into her pocket. “No take-backsies.”
“Never.” I lifted my chin in the direction of Drew and Ellie. “Do you want that?”
