45

Engaged.

We were engaged.

And I didn’t know how much it would mean to me until Kaiden had dropped to his knees before me and poured his heart out.

“It doesn’t matter now,” he said, kissing my forehead. “All that matters is this. Us. And the life we’re going to create together. Now can we please go inside. I have big plans for you.”

A shiver went down my spine at the huskiness in his voice as we reached the front door.

Mom and Dad were out tonight, and Poppy was staying over at the Bennets’ house which meant we had the house to ourselves for a few hours. Something I was dying to take advantage of since Kaiden would leave again on Tuesday.

But I didn’t want to dwell on that.

Not tonight.

Not when I was so happy and—

“Surprise!” Our family and friends were crammed into the hall, a homemade banner hanging on the wall.

“What is—”

“We wanted to surprise you.” Poppy beamed.

“Oh, I’m surprised,” I said, glancing back at Kaiden. “Did you know about this?”

“Nope, I’m as surprised as you.”

I saw