“I once tried to explain to you how I envisioned my future, and it was so far off from what I actually want and need, it’s laughable.” He chuckles, then drags his fingers through his hair. “Solange, at this very moment, I have no idea what my job will be, whether I’ll be able to afford my mortgage much longer, or whether I’ll ever get married and have kids. And you know what? I’m not terrified. Why? Because if there’s any chance that you’ll be a part of my life, I can handle all of the other unknowns, even if that means we can’t be in the same place right now.”

He steps closer, his hands clenching and unclenching at his sides. “And this isn’t about jealousy or wanting what I can’t have or anything like that. It’s really that over the course of the weeks I’ve known you, I’ve gotten glimpses of what it would be like to be your person. I’ve gotten a taste of what it would be like to be the one loving you. And it kind of feels like an honor. Like maybe I don’t deserve you. But I want to try to earn a place in your heart.” He chokes up a bit before continuing. “I want to try so damn much. These feelings you’ve inspired in me make me feel reckless and impulsive and disoriented in the best way. And I’m sorry that I once told you I couldn’t love you. Because that isn’t true. I already do.”

I tilt my head and smile at him. “It’s that damn warm, fuzzy feeling, isn’t it?”

His mouth twitches, then he smiles wide, affection glowing in his eyes. “Yes, damn you, yes.” He straightens and looks at Brandon as though he’s just remembered Brandon’s still here. “I’m really sorry about this, but Solange and I have unfinished business.”

“I was never in the picture,” Brandon says. “No worries at all.”

Dean’s brows snap together. “So . . . you’re not getting married?”

Brandon shakes his head. “Nah. That was just a ruse to get you here.” He digs into his pocket, pulls out my missing phone, then tosses it my way. “I had a little help too.”

As if on cue, my mother and aunts shuffle to the front of the chapel. Tia Viviane’s wiping her eyes with a tissue.

“Mãe, tias, what are you doing here?”

“We were giving Dean a little push,” she says. “And sending Brandon updates so he knew when to expect us.”

“Diabolical,” I say. “Every one of you.”

Dean shakes his head in wonder. “Indeed.”