I haven't been nervous all day. Every time I've thought about this, I've felt happy and positive. But, now that we're nearly there, I'm starting to shit bricks.
The car starts to slow, coming to a stop outside the studio.
"Why are we at the studio?" Speedy asks me.
"You'll see in a minute."
I open the door and get out of the car, helping her out.
Keeping hold of her hand, I lead her past the studio and to the corner of the street.
I pause before we turn the corner. "Okay, so close your eyes."
"You want me to close my eyes?"
"That's what I said."
She gives me a look and shuts them.
"Are they closed properly?" I wave a hand in front of her.
"Do they look closed to you?" She smirks.
"Funny, smart-ass. Okay, don't open them until I say so."
I take hold of her hands and lead her around the corner and down the street until I stop her on the very spot where she hit me with her car that day.
The street is lit with fairy lights, giving it a romantic glow. There's not much you can do to make a street down the side of a movie studio look romantic, but it has to be here, so fairy lights, it is.
I get the blue ring box from my pocket, and then I get down on one knee in front of her.
Fuck, I'm so nervous.
I feel like I'm gonna hurl. My mouth dries. I take a deep breath and moisten my lips with my tongue. "Okay … you can open your eyes."
She blinks her eyes open. I watch her as she takes in the fairy lights and just where we are. A smile ignites her whole face.
That smile. Fuck, it gets me every time.
It takes her a moment to realize that I'm on my knee in front of her, but when she does, her eyes widen, and her mouth pops into an O before she covers it with her hands.
"Ava … I had this whole big speech prepared, and then you blew me out of the water when you told me that you're pregnant with our baby. You kinda stole my thunder." I grin. "But, tonight, you've given me the greatest gift ever. And, now, I'm asking you to marry me, with our child growing inside you, on the very spot where we started, and it couldn't be more right." I push up to my feet. "So, Ava Simms … soon-to-be mother of my child … my Speedy … will you marry me?"
I pop open the ring box, and her eyes widen further, filling with tears.
She drops her hands, revealing her gorgeous smiling face. "Yes, Gabe, I will marry you."
My heart explodes with utter fucking happiness. I get the ring out of the box and slide it onto her finger.
"It's beautiful, Gabe." She holds her hand, staring down at the ring.
"You're beautiful," I tell her. "And mine." I take her face in my hands and kiss her, like I plan to kiss her for the rest of our lives.
"I can't believe you're going to be my husband." Her eyes glitter up at me.
"Believe it, baby." I kiss her again. "You're going to be Mrs. Evans."
"I like the sound of that." She smiles. "God, tonight is the best night of my life, Gabe."
"Mine, too." I take her hand in mine, loving the feel of her engagement ring against my finger. "Finding out you're pregnant, you agreeing to marry me, and there's still more good stuff to come."
"More?" She glances at me with intrigue.
"Well, we have food in the car. And then fifth base, baby, remember? I plan to get you home, strip you naked, hit that home run, and then eat cheesecake off your body."
Laughter bursts from her.
"What?" I say mock innocently.
She stops and stands in front of me, smiling up at me. "Nothing." She shakes her head. "Just … don't ever change, Gabriel Evans. Always be you because you're perfect, and I love you."
I tightly wrap my arms around her, finally feeling the acceptance that I didn't know I'd been looking for all this time. Full of love for this incredible woman in my arms. A love that I didn't know existed until her.
She might have broken me on that fateful day, right here in this street, when our worlds came crashing together, but she's also fixed me, too. In more ways than one.
I can't imagine my life without her now.
Thank fuck I don't have to.
I have the best job in the world. I get to create imaginary worlds with the most amazing characters, and then I get to see you guys enjoy them.
Best. Feeling. Ever.
Or, as Gabe would say, astro-fucking-nomical!
I couldn't do this without a bunch of amazing people. First is my husband, Craig, who goes through every single step of writing a book with me. The highs, the lows-he's there for it all. I definitely won the husband lottery with him.
My gorgeous children, Riley and Isabella, whose daily dose of love and laughter make my already wonderful life perfect.
My agent, Lauren, who continues to bring amazing things to the table and supports every single decision I make. Thank you.
My girls-Sali, Trishy, and Jodi. Best book friends a girl could wish for. I count myself lucky to know you all.
Big thanks to Naj, my cover designer, for yet another gorgeous book cover, and Jovana, my editor, for making this rough-around-the-edges story into something perfect.
And, of course, my Wether Girls-I adore you all and our group. It's the best place to be on Facebook!
Also, a massive thank-you to all the bloggers who work tirelessly to help promote books. I appreciate and adore you all.
And, lastly, to my fabulous readers-Your continuing support makes it possible for me to do what I love. My biggest thank-you of all goes to each and every one of you.