I looked around at each of their faces. “Love you guys so much.”

Lyla’s eyes were still a little red. “Love you, too, Anna.”

“Yeah,” Justin agreed.

Mason brushed his lips against mine. “Never been happier than when I’m with you.”

46

MASON

I looked over at Kennedy. “What do you think?”

Tears brimmed in her eyes. “I think she’ll love it.”

I stared down at the glimmering diamond on the black velvet. The oval stone set in rose gold would be perfect against Anna’s skin. We’d had simple bands all this time, but she deserved more. She deserved everything.

I looked up at the jeweler. “I’ll take it.”

“Wonderful, sir.”

I handed over my credit card and checked my watch. I’d made up some lame excuse about needing to get the house ready for Anna’s return. She’d looked at me a little oddly when I’d said it. Probably because I hadn’t left her side in the five days she’d been in the hospital.

I’d asked Taylor and Tessa to keep her company while I flew to Portland with Kennedy in Cain’s jet. The flight itself was only thirty minutes or so, but I’d wanted to take my time picking out a ring, making sure it was perfect.

“This is so romantic,” Kennedy said, sniffling.

“I hope Anna thinks so.”

It was a little weird. Proposing to a woman I was already married to. But we’d skipped so many steps. The first date. Stolen kisses. Introducing each other to our families. I didn’t want to miss this one. Even if we had to go backwards to get it.

“I know she will.”

The jeweler handed me my card and a small bag. “Come back and see me if you need anything at all.”

I stifled a laugh. With the amount of money I’d just dropped in his store, I had no doubt he’d love for me to return. And maybe I would. Adding a piece of jewelry at each anniversary. Something that marked Anna’s and my time together. “Thank you. I will.”

Kennedy hustled me out the door to our waiting SUV, the driver opening the door for her. “We have to hurry. Taylor just texted and said they’re discharging Anna in an hour.”

“Shit.” I hoped there weren’t any holdups at the small private airport we’d flown into.

Luckily, there weren’t. But I still drummed my fingers on the armrest the whole flight. As we landed, I switched on my phone. A series of texts hit my screen.

Justin: We’re done with the banners. Cain and Walker are hanging them. Lyla wants to see the ring.

Taylor: We’re leaving the hospital in fifteen minutes. I hope you’re home.

I shot her a quick text back.

Me: Just landed.