SAY WHEN

Several Months Later

Peeling off the high heels I’ve been wearing for the past five hours, I sigh, then plop down on the couch. “That was so much fun, but I’m exhausted,” I whine, rubbing my aching feet and examining my barely healed tattoo.

About a month ago, I’d finally taken the plunge after being inspired by another book. This time, it was a quote about how you can’t find yourself by running because you’ll be too busy to face your enemies. That was something I’d learned the hard way—something I’m determined to never forget. Since the quote ends with, “live barefoot and fucking fight,” it seemed fitting to get the word fight on my foot.

Right now, I’m regretting that choice. The abuse my feet have taken from my shoes left the inked spot a little tender. It’s for a good cause, though.

Lizzy married Brenden today, and I was one of her bridesmaids. She made such a beautiful bride, and I swear I’ve never seen her happier. The wedding and reception couldn’t have been more perfect, and I can’t wait to see all the photographs Eric captured.

The girls made a couple comments about me being the next one to wear white, and I’ll admit, it was hard not to smile at the prospect. I’ve loved Eric for so long, and the past couple months with him have been the best of my life. Although I’ve accepted I’ll forever be scarred by what happened to me that night with Jim, it no longer feels like an open wound. I’m not allowing that moment to define me or my life anymore.

I do kind of miss my weekly visits with Dr. Gentry, though.

“I’m so ready to get this damn dress off.”

“I like the sound of that.” Smirking, he extends his hand out to me. I look at it like it’s diseased, my lip snarling as my eyes move up to gaze at him.

Every part of my body is aching from all the dancing and socializing I did this evening, I’m in no way ready to get back up. In fact, if it weren’t for this uncomfortable dress, I’d probably pass out right here. But as I stare at him, admiring how incredibly sexy he looks in his tux, I want nothing more than to be closer to him. As I place my hand in his, he laughs and pulls me to my feet, then into him.

Smirking, he kisses the tip of my nose, then takes my other hand, intertwining his fingers with mine. “Do you think you could hold off a little bit longer? There’s something I wanted to show you and talk to you about.”

His tone sounds serious…perhaps a little anxious. Butterflies set flight in my belly as I nod my head yes. After giving me a chaste kiss on the lips, he lets go of one hand and leads me to the kitchen with the other. When we reach the table, he pulls out a chair and helps me ease into it. Seated, I quirk my eyebrow up as he slides a manila folder and pen in front of me.

“I’ve had some paperwork drawn up I’d like you to review. If everything looks good and you agree, I’ll just need your signature.”

“Isn’t it a little late for a nondisclosure?” I tease, giggling as my nerves get the better of me. His forehead creases as he shakes his head, clearly having no idea what I’m referencing. Waving the comment off, I clear my throat and turn my focus to the file in front of me. “Never mind. So, what is this?”

Opening the folder, my eyes scan over the paper. It’s something to do with EJ Photography, but I don’t understand it.

“I want to change the name of EJ Photography to E&J Photography with you as the co-owner.”

My breath stills, my body frozen as my eyes shoot up in his direction. “What?”

I couldn’t have heard him correctly. That would be insane…right?

He slides another chair away from the table, taking a seat on the edge, his body angled toward me and hands resting on his knees as he leans forward. Eye level now, he locks his gaze with mine as I turn my head. “The company is as much yours as it is mine at this point. We’re a team, a packaged deal. Besides, this is the dream—what we talked about as teenagers. It’s what pushed me to start the company in the first place, but I never wanted this without you. The studio made me feel as if I had you with me even when I didn’t, that’s why I named it EJ Photography.”

“I don’t understand.” Shaking my head, I wipe the moisture from my eye. “Doesn’t EJ stand for Eric Justin?”

“That’s what I let everyone believe,” he confirms, a smile playing on his lips. “I wasn’t about to admit I named my company after a woman I might never see again. But when I filled out the original paperwork, I thought about when we dreamed of the future, how we talked about what we’d name our studio one day.”

“I remember, you suggested Eric and Julianna’s and I countered with Julianna and Eric’s.”

He barks out a laugh and shakes his head. “Yeah…well, JE Photography doesn’t sound right and would’ve been a lot harder to explain away.”

“I can’t believe what you’re telling me right now. This is crazy,” I mumble, dropping my eyes back to the folder. “You’ve built this company, Eric. It doesn’t seem right for me to claim any kind of ownership.”

“This is what I want, Jules.” He takes my hand in his, gaining my attention again. The intensity in his eyes causes my heart to flutter, and I struggle to keep my emotions at bay. “I want this to be ours, for you to be my partner in business and in life.”

“In life?” My pulse begins to race as my eyes go wide, gasping as he scoots off his chair then gets down on one knee in front of me as I shift toward him. He reaches into his pocket with his free hand, pulling out a small black box, and my head swims from the lack of oxygen.

“I love you, Jules. Today, tomorrow, and forever. I want you to be my partner, my wife, and the mother of my children. I want to experience the good and bad life offers with you as we grow old together. Will you marry me?”

My head is already nodding yes before my brain has even had a chance to fully process what’s happening. He flips open the box, letting go of my hand long enough to pull the ring out, then lifts it again, readying it for the ring.

The Art Deco style ring is stunning. It has a platinum finish with a cushion cut diamond in the center, surrounded with a gorgeous halo of grain set diamonds and mill-grain detail down the band. It couldn’t be more perfect if I’d picked it out myself.

“Was that a yes?” he boasts, smiling wryly.

My head bobs eagerly. “Yes,” I confirm.

He puts the ring on my finger, giving me only a second to admire it before bringing me to my feet. He’s beaming as he cups my face in his hands, bringing his lips to mine. His kiss is eager and filled with heat, my entire body trembling from the sensory overload.

Breaking our kiss, I pull his hands from my face, interlocking our fingers as I bring them down.

“I have just one condition,” I pant.

“Name it.”

“I don’t want to wait. Let’s get married right away.”

He chuckles as he scratches at his chin. “I think you can twist my arm on that one, just say when.”

“When.”