Maurice had been in a relationship for three months now. Not three dates, but three months. Who would’ve ever thought he’d change his ways so drastically and so quickly? Who would’ve ever thought his best friend would turn out to be the woman of his dreams?
“Damn, Major, quit studying the cards. Make a bet or bow out,” RJ complained, and he wasn’t even in the game anymore. He was getting grouchier, and the family hoped traveling to the private island they’d booked for Riley and Chaz’s wedding in June would relax him a little.
“All right! I’m out.” Major had been taking a long time deciding, but Maurice was patient. At least, he’d been telling himself that for the last hour and a half.
“So it’s just you and me,” Des said from across the table. “Or are you about to concede to my superior poker skills like the rest of them?”
He loved her smile. He loved the way she didn’t take any mess from him whether at work or at home. And he especially loved the way she loved him completely as he was.
“Oh, I’m in,” he said and then set his cards down on the table to reach into his pocket. When he knew everyone in the room was expecting him to pull out more cash to toss into the already large pot to bet, Maurice instead removed a little black box.
He opened the box under the table and stared down at the three-karat pear-shaped diamond ring sitting against the cushioned interior. Taking a slow breath and releasing it, he extended his arm across the table, sat the box on top of the cash pile and waited.
Desta looked down at the black box and the brilliantly shining ring inside. She struggled for a moment to catch her breath, yanking her hands from the table for fear she might touch it and it wasn’t meant for her.
“What’s going on?” That may have been a silly question, but it was the first thing that popped into her mind.
“I love you, Des.” Maurice stood up and walked around to the side of the table where she was sitting. “I think I’ve loved you since I’ve known you. It just took me a while to figure that out and act on that love.”
“A long while,” Major joked from the sidelines, and Chaz chuckled.
She couldn’t believe this was happening, and on poker night of all nights!
Maurice knelt down on one knee, taking her hands in his. “I love everything about you, even the fact that I know in my heart you’re a cheater when it comes to playing poker.”
Now everyone chuckled, even her while her eyes filled with tears. Her heart was beating so fast, and her hands were shaking. Until he lifted them up to his lips and kissed each finger.
“But what I love most about you is the way you love me. Everything you’ve given me has taught me how to love you in return. You’re my world, and I don’t want to continue on without you. So will you please marry me?”
The tears fell—there was no use trying to hold them back. “I love you. I love you so much for showing me it was okay to love again. You’re my best friend.”
There was a pause and then, “So is that a yes or a no?” RJ asked.
Everyone looked at him in surprise.
“I mean, if all of you want to be married, that’s fine by me,” RJ continued with a shrug.
“Yes!” Desta answered without waiting for anyone to say anything else. “Yes, Maurice Gold, I’ll marry you.”
“Well, all right, then!” Major yelled and began to clap along with the others.
Maurice stood, pulling her up with him and wrapping his arms around her for a tender kiss. When the kiss broke, she laughed nervously. “Oh, I forgot about the ring and the rest of my winnings.”
Releasing her, Maurice took the box off the table and removed the ring. He lifted her left hand in his and slid the ring onto her third finger. “I’m the biggest winner in this room tonight because I’ve won you.”
Staring through tear-blurred eyes at the man she was going to marry, Desta wrapped her arms around him for another hug. “And I’ve won you.”
Dare to read more sexy stories!
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The Player
by Stefanie London
The Love Cure
by Cara Lockwood
Our Little Secret
by Rachael Stewart
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