Oh God. I am reading way too much into it.

“Not that I think we’re celebrating because of that. It’s just a word on a game. It’s not about us or anything. I’m definitely not expecting that. Maybe the programmers messed it up and it was supposed to be MERRY. It is a homophone and those can be tricky for people.” I swallow back the last sip in my glass. “Forget I said that.”

At that moment, we pull up to our destination. The Pierre Hotel.

Snow is still lightly falling, so Marcus walks us to the door with an umbrella.

We enter the lobby, which is quiet, and ride the elevator to JoAnna’s penthouse apartment. We’re not that late so it’s odd there aren’t other party guests arriving. When the doors open, I’m even more confused when Barrett leads me into an empty foyer, through the empty living room, and straight into the kitchen pantry.

“There’s no one here. Did we get the time wrong?”

He shuts the door behind us.

“What are we doing in here?” I ask.

“This is where I do my best negotiating,” he says.

“In your mother’s pantry?” It’s funny how the memory from six months ago of being in here with him seems foreign now. Where I once thought he was cold and dismissive, I have discovered warmth and kindness. And the disdain I had for him before? Now, I only feel love.

“Yes.” He nods.

Barrett gathers my hands in his.

“Chloe Elizabeth Anderson, I’ve got a proposition for you.”

“What is it?” I feel my eyes widen, because I’m not sure what’s happening. Unless…

“I need a date.” He pulls out a small velvet box from his jacket pocket and takes a knee in front of me. “For the rest of my life.”

Oh my God. I can feel the tears immediately press against my lower lids. Barrett takes my shaking left hand, the other is pressed against my mouth, stifling a sob that’s threatening to escape.

“You make me a better man just by knowing you. Loving you has changed me. For the better. I love you, Chloe. I want us to spend the rest of our lives together.” His hazel eyes look up at me in earnest. “Will you marry me?”

I can barely get the words out, but I know my head is nodding yes, because Barrett smiles and slides the diamond onto my finger. I can’t think right now. I’m overwhelmed by emotion, and the weight of the most stunning ring.

Barrett gathers me in his arms and presses his lips to mine.

“You’re it for me, Chloe. I’ll go at whatever pace you want. We can get married tomorrow or be engaged for two years. The only thing I care about is that you’re mine and I’m yours. That’s all I need.”