Incumbent(77)

I’d never been more shocked when he first asked me to marry him while our bodies were connected in the most intimate way possible. To me, that was enough, but Drake wanted me to have it all. A few days after I’d said yes, Drake called Mason, not to necessarily ask for his permission, but to tell him not to worry about me when he moved to California. Drake vowed to him that he would be the best husband to me, and would be by my side forever.

Naturally, Mace was happy because I was, and he did like Drake. However, I couldn’t help but laugh when Drake told me Mason said if he ever hurt me, he’d come back from California to kick his ass.

I’m going to miss my best friend.

When Drake got down on one knee to officially propose, my heart practically grew wings and fluttered in my chest. His proposal was something I’d never forget.

“Lucy,” he’d said, “there comes a time in one’s life when you realize what’s truly important, what dreams you want to become reality and what being in love actually means. When I met you, I knew you were someone special, someone I wanted in my life. What I didn’t realize at the time was that you are what dreams are made of. Nothing can compare to how you make me feel. I’ve felt love from my family my entire life, but your love is what makes my world go round. I want to create new dreams with you. Will you marry me?”

I’d cried at his words. He was everything I never knew I wanted—not only in a man, but in my life. Joyful tears had flowed freely down my face as I enthusiastically nodded.

Drake had wiped my tears away and slid a gorgeous ring on my finger. My fiancé wanted to consummate our engagement, so we’d spent the rest of the day in bed exploring, enjoying, and loving each other.

The memory made me smile as we pulled up and parked in the driveway behind Jack’s car that I loved so much.

“I’m nervous.” My voice was a bit shaky, which was ridiculous. Drake’s family had never made me feel like an outsider, but their son and brother’s entire life had changed since he met me.

Drake reached over and cupped my cheek. His thumb grazed the freckle that for some odd reason was one of his favorite things about me.

“There’s no need for you to be nervous,” he said. “Everyone here loves you; you’re family.”

Family. Would I ever get used to that?

“You know that Gretchen is going to be thrilled,” he added, “and believe me, she’ll want to help plan the wedding. You may want to elope.”

Drake chuckled, but the thought of having his sister want to help me was comforting. Although an elopement might have sounded exciting a couple of weeks ago, it no longer did. I wanted the world to know I was marrying the most amazing man on the planet.

He jumped out of the car and came around to open my door, and then held out a gallant hand for me. “Let’s do this, future Mrs. Prescott.”

I smiled as I took his hand, but was nervous just the same.

When Drake opened the front door, the house seemed empty. We were about to head to the backyard, but then Jack stepped out of the kitchen, holding a glass of red wine.

“There you are. Nice to see you two. It’s been a while. Everyone is out back.”

Family pictures were scattered throughout his parents’ home, and the love that filled the room warmed me more than the sun that peeked through the French doors. The streams of light created what looked like rainbows on the white marble floor we were walking on. Before we stepped outside, Drake brought my hand he was holding to his mouth and kissed the back of it.

“You ready to let them in on our secret?”

“Definitely.”

He gave my hand a quick squeeze, and we headed out back.

His mom came up to greet us, followed by Rick, Gretchen, and Josh, but Dane was nowhere to be seen. Drake would be disappointed if he wasn’t there, but then he came around the corner wearing a pair of low-slung swim trunks and a towel around his neck. Droplets of water that should have been freely running down his body were halted by the rippling muscles on his torso.

Never in my wildest imagination did I picture a golfer having a physique like his. He definitely didn’t seem like your typical plaid-wearing golfer, but nothing about Drake’s brother was ordinary.

“Hey, lovebirds.” Dane shook Drake’s hand. “Sorry, I was in the hot tub. My muscles needed a break, and I didn’t have time for a massage.”

Dane shifted his attention to me, and although he was definitely sexy, I wasn’t attracted to him. But that never stopped him from using me to poke at his brother.

“My, my. Don’t you look particularly beautiful today, Lucy.” Dane’s deep brown eyes scoured me from head to toe. Then he leaned in and gave me a swift kiss on the lips. “Blue is definitely your color.”

“I really wish you’d stop kissing my fiancée.” Drake nudged his brother, who snapped his attention back to Drake with wide eyes.

“Your fiancée?”

Gretchen shrieked as she ran up and threw both her arms around us. “Oh my God! I knew it! I told Josh you two would end up together! I’m so excited! When’s the wedding? Am I in it? Please say I’m in it! This is going to be so much fun!”

Her enthusiasm and rapid-fire questions made me laugh. Drake gave me a look that clearly said I told you so.

“Does Mason know?” she asked. “Is he coming back to celebrate?”