Page 117 of Hold Still

McKenna holds up his business card. “He congratulated me on my win today and wants me to come to their offices while I’m still here in LA and to discuss my taking them on as a client! They want me to work with up-and-coming bands.” Her excitement practically bounces off her body.

“That’s my girl! I’m so proud of you,” I say and pull her into my arms.

Once Rose finishes her drink, she says, “Let’s go to our house for a more private celebration.”

WILLS AND COLEsurround me while the women are in the kitchen. “You have it, right?” Wills asks.

I pull out the ornate, old-fashioned box that Mamí gave me when McKenna and I visited Puerto Rico a couple of weeks ago. My girl was a huge success, winning over everyone in the family within minutes. And she fell for them just as quickly.

“Good,” Cole responds. “Now, don’t fuck this up or Rose will kill you.”

I snort. “I’ll try not to.” I rub my suddenly clammy hands down my pants. “Were you two nervous like this?”

Cole puffs up. “Hell, no. I knew she wanted to be my wife. It was practically a mercy ask.”

I squint at my friend, then turn to Wills. “How about you?”

The bodyguard-turned-gym owner says, “I asked her on my birthday. She was my best present.”

“Well, shit. Today’s not either one of our birthdays.”

“But she did just win an award,” Wills supplies, punching me in the arm.

“Damn straight she did.”

The women file out of the house, each carrying a couple of platters Rose had her friend-slash-cook prepare. “Grandma Gertie’s out on a date tonight, but she wanted to be sure that we all ate well,” Rose giggles.

Popping a crostini into her mouth, Rose asks McKenna, “How’s your Mom doing?”

“She’s doing great. The doctor changed her meds, and she’s responding really well.”

“That’s excellent news,” Emilie replies.

I swipe a steak finger sandwich and lock eyes with McKenna. Her mother’s new treatment has slowed down the progress of the disease. She even was able to understand when I asked her permission for McKenna’s hand after our trip to Puerto Rico, which she happily granted. I wish I could’ve met her father, but I’m going to spend the rest of my life treating his daughter like the queen she is. Of course, if she’ll have me.

The evening wears on and the platters are decimated. Mainly by the guys, but the ladies didn’t do too poorly. My eyes stray to the pool, with a light show going on. Emilie yawns.

Crap. It’s now or never.

“Excuse me,” I say to Emilie and Wills. “I have something I have to do.” Wills nods at me.

I walk straight up to McKenna, stopping mere inches from her. Cole and Rose, who were flanking her, look at each other and disappear into the background. Cole gives me a thumbs-up.

“McKenna.” The word comes out strangled.

She asks, “Are you okay?”

In the background, Cole snickers. I shoot him a dirty look and try again.

“McKenna.” My voice sounds much stronger. “Your words tonight from the podium honored me, but you truly had things backwards.”

She looks around, as if trying to understand what’s happening.

Ignoring her reaction, I continue, “You saved me. You brought music back into my life. You reminded me what fun is, because any time I spend with you—whether we’re out on dune buggies, indoor skydiving, exploring new places, or simply unwinding together is fun. With you, McKenna, my life is complete.”

I drop to one knee and pull out the box my abuelo offered to my abuela decades ago. My body’s shaking so badly, though, that I can’t keep my balance. I put my other knee on the ground and look up at my love. “I’m not on one knee—but two—asking if you’ll be my wife.”

She looks down at me, her head nodding “yes” before the word escapes her lips. Then they’re on top of mine.

Pulling back, I slide the square sapphire ring onto her finger to the sound of applause from our best friends. “I know this isn’t your typical engagement ring, but it was my grandma’s. Mamí wanted you to have it. She loves you as much as I do.”

Tears flow down her cheeks. She’s never looked more beautiful to me.

I take a deep breath. “And I can’t wait to proudly wear your ring everyday for the rest of my life.”

Whatever life throws at us, we have the support around us that we need. Plus, we have each other.

I wrap myself in the arms of the woman I love, breathing her in. And I hold still.