Chapter Twenty-Two
“She’s back!” Hannah informed Spencer before heading out the back door to the party he’d set up. Technically, the events company he hired set it up in one day, but he’d planned everything—even getting Jocelyn to take Emma and Kristen out shopping.
And of course, having the production crew around to help out made the setting up much faster as well. No one was faster at creating a set than people who worked in Hollywood.
Spencer walked out of the house and waited on the porch for Kristen to walk over. “Did you have fun shopping?”
Kristen smiled. “I bought lots of stuff.” But there was only one bag in her hand.
“For Emma,” Jocelyn said when she got nearer. She put Emma down and pointed ahead, and Emma dashed forward.
“Daddy!”
Spencer grinned and took Kristen’s hand while Jocelyn headed over to her husband. “Did you buy anything for me?” He led her into the house instead of heading around to the back.
She lifted the bag in her hand. “For you.”
He’d been joking, but he took the bag from her anyway. “What is it?”
“Open it.”
He pulled out the box inside and laughed.
“Virtual reality game console,” she said. “I thought about you the moment I saw it. I wasn’t sure if you already had a PlayStation. If you—”
“Of course I have a PlayStation.”
“Of course you do.” She smiled at him. “I hope you like it.”
“I have something for you, too.” He put the box back into the bag and put the bag down on the couch. “This way.” He stood and led her toward the back door.
“What is it? You bought extra-large steaks for the barbecue?” Her brows drew together.
He opened the door and grinned when her eyes widened at the sight before her.
A giant white cabana stood in front of them, the way to it strewn with pink rose petals. Fairy lights hung from the top of the cabana, lighting up the long table below it. If it weren’t for the spotlights, the whole place would be a lot darker. But the crew had managed to balance out the lighting so they could capture the engagement clearly on camera and still maintain a romantic atmosphere.
“Wow,” she said and looked over at him. “What’s this?”
“A party.”
“A party?”
“Mm-hmm.”
She glanced over at her family, all of whom were staring at her with wide eyes and giddy smiles. “And what are we celebrating?”
“Our engagement—if you say yes.” Spencer glanced over at the cabana, and Jocelyn whispered something to Emma’s ear. Emma came running over with a bouquet of baby’s breath.
“Thank you, Emma,” he said, and she ran back to her mother.
“Spence.”
Spencer handed Kristen the bouquet. “From the very first day of filming, I got to see so many different sides of you. I’ve seen how loyal you are, having my back simply because you said you would—having my back simply because you think that’s the right thing to do. I’ve seen how fun you are, showing me how a party with you is better than any other I’ve ever thrown or attended. I’ve seen how sexy you are, which I shall not elaborate because your father’s here.”
Kristen chuckled.
“I’ve seen you when you sing. I’ve seen you with your family. I’ve seen you worshipping in church. And I can’t stop thinking how amazing you are and how lucky I am that you love me.”
He moved closer to her, putting his arms around her waist. He didn’t want anyone else hearing what he had to say next. “I know you’re afraid, and I understand why,” he whispered into her ears. “But I promise I’ll protect you, just as you asked.” He ran his hands down her arms and took her hands. “Not just physically, but your heart as well.”
He took a step back and smiled at her as her eyes glistened.
“What if you wake up one day and realize the magic between us has faded?” she whispered back to him. “What if the reality sets in and we realize—”
“This is reality.” He cupped his hand against her face. “What we have between us is real. I know most people don’t have cameras around them all the time, but the cameras don’t change how I feel about you. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. I love you, Kris.”
“I can’t hear!” Emma shouted, and the cameras moved closer.
Spencer tightened his grip on her hand. “I’ve gotten your father’s blessing. Actually, I’ve got all of their blessings, especially Emma’s.”
Kristen chuckled. “Of course you did.”
“You said: for you, marriage is forever. That’s what I’m asking for—forever, with you.” He got down on one knee and pulled out the black velvet box from his pocket. “Kristen Park, will you marry me—for real this time?”
Her fingers splayed over her curled lips.
The smile was a good sign, but Kristen still wasn’t saying yes.
A tear fell. “Yes,” she said, and he sighed while the rest of the family clapped and cheered. Even the production team joined in.
Spencer stood and kissed her as she threw her arms around his shoulders. “I thought you were going to say no again.”
“I was just thinking about the time we’ve spent together and how happy you’ve made me.” She looked over at her family. “I love you, Spence.”
“I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of hearing that.”
“I love you,” she said again, and Spencer leaned in to kiss her before releasing her to her family.