Chapter 37 Phoebe #2
Griffin was looking at me with an expression unlike anything I’d seen before. I wondered what he was thinking about as we all munched on the cookies. Everyone wanted coffee, too, because it went perfectly with treats, so Hannah started the machine.
Griffin came over to me, pushing my hair to one side. “You smell amazing,” he murmured.
I blushed and immediately looked at everyone around the table, but they couldn’t hear us past the noise of the coffee machine.
“What were you thinking about earlier?” I asked him.
“That you’re good with kids. I can’t wait for us to have some of our own.”
All I wanted was to turn around and kiss this man thoroughly. Maybe I could steal him and take him to one of the rooms upstairs. What were the chances anyone would notice?
That would be 100 percent.
Phoebe, get yourself together.
I didn’t even turn around because I’d risk forgetting my good manners and kiss him senseless. But to show my appreciation for his super-romantic statement, I shimmied my hips a bit.
Griffin tightened his grip on my waist.
Oops. Maybe I shouldn’t do that. I’d pressed my ass into the zipper of his jeans just a bit. He didn’t have a hard-on yet, but I didn’t want to push my luck. My man could go from zero to hard in seconds, and that wouldn’t do.
I ate another cookie, chatting with the group until my parents came back.
“We’re ready,” Mom exclaimed.
“Are you coming too?” I asked Hannah and Chase.
“No, I need to sort out some things in the attic,” Hannah replied.
“And I’m staying to help,” Chase said.
They were so sweet together. I was so happy that Chase was supporting Hannah in all her endeavors. Then again, the Sterling men were like that—loyal, supportive, strong.
“Then let’s get going,” Duncan said with urgency.
“Duncan, I’m sure we’re going to find parking spots,” Riley said, but she didn’t sound convinced. Parking at fairs wasn’t for the fainthearted.
“I want to compliment you on this beautiful home again,” Mom told Hannah.
“Thank you. It belonged to my grandmother, and I’m very happy that I got to keep it and continue to run it as an inn.”
Mom beamed. “You’ve done a great job.”
Hannah lit up. “Thank you.”
We all bid her and Chase goodbye before heading to the cars.
The drive to Niagara Street didn’t last long, or at least that’s how it seemed to me. Time flew by whenever Mom and Dad visited. As we approached the allotted parking lots, I realized we were already late.
“Why are there so many people here? It’s only eleven o’clock in the morning,” Griffin exclaimed.
“They’ve got activities for kids, right? People with kids prefer mornings,” Mom said.
That made sense.
We went into two lots that were chock-full before finding a spot in the third one.
“I miss San Diego,” Mom said after we all stepped out of the car.
It was on the tip of my tongue to suggest that they move back, but I didn’t. I needed my parents, but my grandparents needed them even more, and it wasn’t fair for me to make them feel guilty.
“You can come visit us anytime you want,” Griffin offered as we headed toward the entrance of the fair. Duncan was probably already there because they’d found a parking spot in the previous lot. “You can stay with us or at Hannah’s.”
I instantly saw Dad’s expression change, and I knew that had sealed the deal for him. Griffin was in his good books forever. Dad appreciated generosity just as much as kindness.
At the entrance, we noticed the trio waiting for us. Jeremy waved with both hands, as if he was afraid that we wouldn’t see them.
“All right, what’s the plan?” Griffin asked.
“The band doesn’t start until noon,” Jeremy said.
Duncan had a stern expression. Riley was clearly fighting laughter.
I suspected neither of them was looking forward to listening to the band, but they were doing it for Jeremy’s sake.
“We can head to one of those shooting venues where you can win a prize while we wait.”
“Yes, let’s do that,” I said. “I haven’t done it since I was a kid. I was never any good at it.”
“Don’t worry, babe. I’m good at it,” Griffin said with a devastatingly handsome smile. “I’ll win something for you.”
“I look forward to that.”
He offered me his arm, and I wrapped mine around it, resting my chin on his bicep as we walked. I was smiling from ear to ear. This was a very happy day. I was here with my parents and Griffin and Jeremy, just enjoying life. It really couldn’t get more amazing.
We found the shooting range quickly enough. Honestly, I hadn’t even realized they were still a thing. Granted, it wasn’t exactly a shooting range. You just threw hoops at a target, and if they landed on top of it, you earned a point.
“Are all of you playing?” the guy manning the counter asked.
“Oh no, my husband and I are staying out of it,” Mom said.
“I’m not playing either,” I said, and Riley also shook her head.
“I want to throw,” Jeremy declared.
Jeremy, Duncan, and Griffin took their positions, and the vendor explained the rules briefly.
They were very simple: each participant had five hoops.
If they could throw three on target, they could choose a gift accordingly.
If they hit the target on more than three occasions, they could choose a bigger prize.
The ones on the first shelf were so small that I couldn’t even tell what they were from where we were standing.
The gifts got bigger and bigger on the upper shelves.
The ones on top were huge teddy bears. I was secretly crossing my fingers for one of those.
I’d probably look ridiculous carrying it around, but I couldn’t care less.
It was fun watching the boys play. During the first three rounds, no one threw a hoop even close to the target.
Griffin let out a groan of frustration. I pressed my lips together, biting down the impulse to make fun of him. Nope, I was determined to support my man, even in small things like this.
“I’m sure you’ll do better next time,” I said.
He winked at me as all three of them decided to keep going. Which was probably how the owner could afford buying all the prizes in the first place. People kept paying for more rounds, hoping to win.
This time, Griffin changed his throwing position. He took a step back and angled his shoulders, bending his knees. He looked like he was preparing to break into a run. Somehow, it worked. He landed one ring and then another one. Duncan and Jeremy watched in awe.
After the third reached the target, I was absolutely ecstatic. I’d already narrowed my eyes, looking at the gifts on the lowest shelf. I still couldn’t see anything. Then I focused on Griffin as he was prepping to throw the fourth one. Maybe he’d give me one of those huge teddy bears.
I kept both fingers crossed.
Aaaaand he missed.
I tried to suppress the pang of disappointment. I was still getting a gift, though. Griffin grumbled, but Jeremy was clapping, and so were my parents.
“All right, you’re going to have to win something for Jeremy next,” Duncan said. “I’m no good.”
“Sure,” Griffin agreed.
“All right, you’re entitled to a prize from this shelf,” the vendor said.
He sounded shocked. I wondered how many people actually managed to win anything.
“You can choose an item yourself, or a surprise one.” He pointed at the ones that were wrapped in velvet bags.
“There are several items inside, a true mixed bag. I thought up the concept myself.” He pushed his chest forward, clearly pleased with himself, which made me laugh. But it did sound like a great idea.
“I’ll have a mixed bag, then.”
Jeremy made a beeline to us as the guy gave us one of the bags.
“Jeremy, this is not your gift,” Riley said gently.
“I know, I just want to look. I’m allowed to look, right?”
“Of course you are,” I said. I was planning to share my gifts with him anyway.
I immediately opened the bag and took out several items. One small car—Jeremy was ecstatic, so I gave that to him. Next was a silvery bracelet with stars and things. That was cute. The last item was a… Is that a Ring Pop?
“Wow, I didn’t even know these still existed,” I said. “I so loved them as a kid.”
This one was berry-flavored, according to the package.
“I know, I tracked down a factory that still produces them.” The guy was good. He’d pegged the nostalgia vibe perfectly.
“I can never open these things,” I said, tearing at the plastic with all my might.
“I’ll do it for you,” Griffin said.
He took it from me and tugged lightly at the package. It opened easily.
I took out the ring proudly and held my hand out to him. “Put that on me.”
The Ring Pop was in the shape of a huge red ruby. I felt like I was a high school girl again.
Griffin looked at me with a twinkle in his eye. “In a second.”
He leaned in, giving me a quick peck on the cheek.
Huh? What was that for? Not that I ever minded him kissing me, but his expression was a bit strange. Then he took a large step back, still holding my Ring Pop.
“What is Uncle… Oh!” Jeremy stopped talking as Griffin lowered himself to one knee.
I swooned as my face exploded in a grin.
“Oh goodness,” Mom whispered behind me.
“Phoebe, I know this is unusual. But then again, everything about our relationship has been like that. Impulsive. Crazy. Whirlwind.”
I stepped a bit closer to him, putting both hands on my belly to try to stop them from shaking.
“I promise I will buy you an actual ring. But today, here with your parents by our side, I would love to ask you to be my wife. Nothing would make me happier than to know you’re mine forever. That we’re together in this wild ride called life. To face everything together. Always.”
Oh my God, how did he come up with this? There was no way he’d thought about this speech before, and yet it was utterly perfect.
“I accept. Of course I accept. I love the ring, by the way.”
Griffin chuckled, but it got stuck in his throat. Then he tried to clear it. He blinked slowly. When he opened his eyes again, I noticed they were a bit glassy.
“I love you so damn much, Phoebe,” he said while putting on the ring.
“I love you too,” I whispered.
He kissed me again chastely. I kissed him right back until I felt the ring slip back down my finger. I gasped, jumping back from the kiss.
“Whoops. I saved it,” I said, holding the ring between my forefinger and thumb. I didn’t want to risk losing it, and I wasn’t going to eat it either. I was going to keep this forever and ever.
“Congratulations, dear,” Mom said. She hugged me as Dad shook hands with Griffin.
“Son, this was unexpected.”
“Sir, I’m sorry. I promise that I will formally ask you for her hand before I propose with a real ring.”
“You have my approval anyway, but asking never hurts.”
While Dad hugged me, I heard Jeremy ask Riley under his breath, “Why did Griffin give her a fake ring?”
“Because that’s what he wanted. Maybe that’s how he planned it,” Duncan said.
“Well, that’s not a very good plan, then, is it?” Jeremy asked, and we all burst out laughing. “I’m sorry I said that, Uncle Griffin.”
Griffin grinned. “No, you’re not, buddy. You’re just sorry that I heard you. But don’t worry, we still love you.”
Jeremy’s face lit up. “So, Phoebe, you’re part of the family now?”
“Yes,” Griffin replied instantly.
I was so blissfully happy, I couldn’t even put it in words. I wanted to tell Griffin so many things, but we had to wait until we were alone.
Jeremy threw his arms around me, and I hugged him right back. Glancing at Mom, I realized she was barely holding back tears.
“Mom, did you take pictures to send to Nana?” I asked.
“No. I was too surprised.”
“Doesn’t matter,” I said. “She’ll be happy anyway.”
“All right, then,” Dad said.
“Uncle Griffin, are you still going to play and try to win something for me?” Jeremy asked, sounding a bit shy.
“Sure he is,” I told him. “Now that he’s already won something, luck is on his side.”
“Really?” Jeremy asked.
I nodded. Oh yeah. As far as I was concerned, that’s how luck worked.
“I’ll pay for another round,” Duncan told the vendor.
The guy was still looking at us, totally stunned. “This has never happened here. I’m going to buy more of those rings.”
“You do that,” I said.
“Although, I don’t know many blokes who’d have the balls to propose with a fake ring.” He’d said that more to himself than to us, but since Griffin and I were right next to him, we heard him loud and clear.
Griffin laughed, putting his mouth to my ear. “Well, that works for us, doesn’t it?”
“Oh my God. Yes, it does. Fake ring for a fake start.”
Our story really was crazy. I couldn’t wait to tell it to our kids and grandkids one day. I’d always listened with rapt attention whenever Nana told me how she fell for my grandfather. Theirs was an epic love story. But so was ours.
“You know,” Duncan said, “I owe you an apology. When the whole fake dating thing started, I thought, he can never go through with it. Wyatt would, but not Griffin.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” Griffin replied with a laugh.
I giggled. Somehow, I couldn’t see Wyatt pulling off what we did.
Then again, I didn’t know him very well.
But he was like all the Sterlings—determined and stubborn.
One thing I was sure of: when he’d fall for someone, he’d fall hard.
“What can I say, I’m rarely wrong.”
“Dad, don’t distract him,” Jeremy said.
As Griffin took his position to throw, Jeremy said loudly, “Phoebe, can you stay next to him to make sure he’s lucky?”
Griffin laughed as I grinned, stepping as close as possible to him without being in his way.
“That’s right, buddy,” Griffin said. “She truly is my lucky charm. And she always will be.”