Chapter 593:

🍙 🍙 🍙 🍙 🍙

For a moment, he just stared at her, as if trying to convince himself he wasn’t dreaming. Then, with a choked laugh, he cupped her face and kissed her hard.

“God, you don’t know how happy you just made me,” he murmured against her lips.

He kissed her again and again, pressing his forehead to hers. “You won’t regret it, I promise you.”

Tessa laughed softly, her heart overflowing with love.

Then Gendry groaned, pulling back slightly. “Damn it. Forgive me. I should’ve gotten you a ring before asking.”

She chuckled. “The ring can come later.” She traced a finger down his chest, her voice turning playful. “Right now, can you make love to me again?”

His eyes darkened with unadulterated desire, his hand sliding down her back. “That’s exactly what I had in mind.”

And with that, he claimed her again, sealing their out-of-the-blue engagement in the most intimate way possible.

𝗥𝖾𝘢𝗱 𝖿re𝖾 𝗇o𝘃𝖾l𝗌 𝗼ո galn𝗼𝘷𝘦𝗅𝗌.𝖼o𝗆

The rest of the day passed in a hazy blur of warmth, passion, and laughter.

They barely left the bed, and when they did, it was only for small moments — like when Gendry pulled her into the kitchen to eat dinner. They sat together, teasing each other between bites, Gendry sneaking food off her plate while she swatted him away.

Later, they curled up on the couch, playing video games. Or rather, Gendry played while Tessa fumbled through the controls, losing miserably every time.

She huffed, tossing the controller aside. “This is rigged.”

Gendry laughed. “It’s not rigged, baby. You just suck.”

She scowled. “That’s not a very supportive fiancé thing to say.”

His grin widened. “Fiancé, huh?”

Her cheeks warmed. “Well… yeah.”

His gaze softened. “I like the way that sounds.”

Tessa’s heart flipped. She liked it too.

When it was time for the family gathering she’d called, they finally dragged themselves out of bed, both sweaty from their latest romp. They showered together, and Tessa finished dressing first, since she had only the clothes she’d brought with her. Gendry took a while longer in the closet, trying to find something suitable, even though all his clothes looked the same.

While she waited for him to finish dressing, she scrolled through the family group chat. Everyone had agreed to be there except her uncle Zeke and aunt Millie, who were in New York. No one had bombarded her with questions… yet.

As Gendry drove to her parents’ house, she tapped her fingers against her knee, her nerves creeping in.

He pulled into the driveway and parked, then turned to her. “You alright?”

Tessa nodded, though her heart pounded wildly.

She knew she was about to shock everyone inside the house. Yet she knew no one would judge her. That didn’t make her feel any less nervous, though.

How would they all react?

Gendry studied her for a moment before reaching over and squeezing her hand. “You’re not doing this alone.”

She exhaled, gripping his hand tightly. “I know.”

He gave her a reassuring smile. “Ready?”

Tessa inhaled deeply. “Yeah.”

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