Chapter 45

FORTY-FIVE

I’m shocked as my brain tries to make sense of what I’m seeing. Ty’s whole family walking toward us, Tina holding a sleeping Lana, Tim with his arm around Tina, Taron with a carefree grin on his face, and most surprising of all, Tanner with his hands in his pockets and his demeanor much more subdued than when I saw him at the hospital for the first time.Behind them are the other three members of the Fierce Four, along with Danae, Alayna, and Blaire. I have no idea what’s going on or why all these people are here.

I stand as Tina moves closer, thinking maybe something is wrong with Lana, but she only smiles and wraps me in a hug with her free arm. She puts her mouth next to my ear. “We love you so much, Lexi. I always dreamed of having a daughter, but I never imagined I’d be so lucky to get one who’s so strong, resilient, and caring. You are the best thing that could have ever happened to my son, and you’ve made our family more complete.”

Her words heal a wound I’ve carried most of my life—the longing for a mother’s unconditional love.

Tim is next. He wraps me up in a tight bear hug. “I’d be so proud to call you my daughter-in-law.”

Taron follows behind his dad, giving me another hug—I don’t think I’ve ever been hugged so much in one day before. “Welcome to the family, sis,” he murmurs, his smile growing.

It doesn’t seem to matter that Ty hasn’t actually asked me anything yet.

Then he steps back, and I’m faced with Tanner. It’s the first time I’ve seen him since the hospital when Tina escorted the boys out before I could ask him why he did it.

But I don’t have to ask why anymore. I’ve had enough time to think about it, to realize he thought he was doing what he had to. It doesn’t make it any easier to swallow, considering the fallout his actions brought.

Tanner’s expression is filled with guilt and remorse which helps ease some of the awkwardness between us. “I’m so sorry, Lexi. Sorry will never be enough, but I’m hoping this will help.”

He hands me his phone, and on the screen is an article with a video attached dated this morning. I scan the article, and my jaw drops as I look at him. “You did a sit-down interview to clear my name?”

“I took ownership of my mistake. I never should’ve violated your privacy that way. It was the worst kind of betrayal, and you did nothing to deserve it. This won’t completely repair the damage, but it’s shifted the narrative. If you go online, people are talking about me and Heather, not you anymore. Ty and I are working with our PR reps as well to clear things up the best we can. It’s a start, and I promise I won’t stop until I’ve cleaned up my mess. I truly am sorry, Lexi. I never should’ve assumed the worst about you. You’d be a great addition to our family.” He leans closer and lowers his voice. “And I’m pretty sure the only way my brother will forgive me is if you say yes.”

I’m overwhelmed by his apology. I turn to Ty for reassurance, only to find him down on one knee, an antique ring box open showing the most beautiful vintage diamond ring I’ve ever seen.

“You are so incredibly loved, Lexi, and not just by me, but by every single person in this room, including those from our chosen family,” he says, glancing at our friends standing behind his family. Instant tears fall down my cheeks, probably ruining my makeup, but all I can focus on is the man of my dreams down on his knee, professing his love for me.

He looks back at me, his brown gaze intense and filled with love. “But no one will ever love you more than I do. It’s not possible because what I feel for you is so strong, it’s never-ending. My heart only beats for you. I want to be by your side for better, for worse, for always.” He lifts the box a little, the lights hitting it just right to make it sparkle. “This ring was my grandmother’s, and her grandmother’s before her. It’s always been passed down to the first daughter in the family. I’m really hoping you’ll say yes and wear it with pride as the first daughter of the Russell family.”

Tears fall unrelenting down my cheeks, and my heart feels so full of love it’s like my body is struggling to contain it all.

“You really want me?”

He stands, his hands going to my cheeks to hold my face so I can’t look away. “I want you more than my next breath. I want to hold your hand on your hard days and cheer for you on your best days. I want to love you more than you ever knew possible. I want to show you every day how special and cherished you are. Please, Lexi. Be my wife. Allow me to spend the rest of my life loving you with all my heart.”

“Yes,” I cry, nodding my head like a damn bobblehead doll. How could I say anything else when this man has made every dream of my heart come true?

He laughs, his eyes shining with pure happiness. “Yes?”

“Yes!”

His lips slam on mine in the sloppiest kiss we’ve ever shared because neither of us can stop smiling.

“Fuck, I love you,” he murmurs against my mouth, right before we’re surrounded by his family and our friends hugging us and celebrating with us.

For the first time in my life, surrounded by a family who loves me, I finally feel like I belong.