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“Worked, didn't it?”

She laughs.

Brielle cackles.

Nick nearly chokes.

And suddenly, something strange hits me.

This.

This right here.

People dropping by.

My girl's laughter.

Domestic chaos.

This is what it feels like to have a real life.

That means maybe I’ve done it—I’ve finally got one. Because she chose me. She gave me this second chance.

And if I’m really lucky, I’m gonna have a future—with her.

Only her.

For so long, I thought I wasn't built for this.

For ordinary happiness.

But standing in Amanda's condo with her arms around me?

The ring in my jacket pocket.

Friends at the door.

And dinner on the way.

I realize something.

This?

This is all I've ever wanted.

And if I have my way—Amanda Perkins is going to be stuck with me for the next fifty years.

Minimum.

Chapter 20

Amanda

We're sitting in my condo.

Well.

Our condo now, apparently.