Book 2: What Happens Here - Chicago (What Happens Here Series)

Chapter 57 - Ethan

After securing his purchase, Ethan turned to see his mother walking up to him with a huge smile on her face. Pulling her into his arms, he kissed her forehead and smiled as she said, "Thank you so much Ethan. This will go a long way towards helping our charities meet their annual goals this year." Placing another kiss to her forehead, he said, "You know that I'll always support you mom." Smiling, she patted his chest as she said, "You are such a good man son." Turning at Jasmine's voice, he smiled when he heard her say, "I couldn't agree more Kim." And when Jasmine moved to stand by his side, Ethan pulled her into his arms, and placed a kiss to her lips, before pulling back and saying, "Thank you baby."

Glancing over at Jasmine's parents, Ethan smiled at Nate as he gave him an approving smile as he said, "That's a gorgeous piece Ethan, and a great investment." Nodding, Ethan said, "Thanks Nate. It definitely is a great piece, and it's for a worthy cause as well." Smiling, Bernadette said, "Well, I can't wait to see where you'll put it, Ethan." Feeling a hand pat him on the back, Ethan turned to see the smiling face of Shane.

Still feeling irritation at what Jasmine had shared about the magazine article of Shane and Coryn, Ethan narrowed his eyes slightly at his best friend before he said, "Shane.... you got a minute? I need to speak to you about something." At seeing the smile begin to fade on Shane's face, Ethan said, "It will only take a minute." When Shane's gaze drifted to Jasmine, before returning to lock with his, Shane said, "Yeah.... sure thing Ethan." Excusing themselves, Ethan placed a reassuring kiss to Jasmine's temple before he whispered, "Everything is okay baby. We're just going to talk for a second." Searching his eyes, Jasmine nodded and said, "Okay baby."

Finding a semi-secluded spot in the corner of the lobby, Shane turned to face Ethan as he raised both his hands and said, "Ethan.... I know that you're pissed but...." Waving him off, Ethan said, "That's not what I wanted to talk to you about Shane. Well...at least not tonight." Glancing around to ensure that they wouldn't be overheard, Ethan said, "I'm planning to propose to Jasmine tonight, and I want you to be there when I do." Seeing the stunned look on Shane's face, he said, "Why do you look so surprised Shane? I'm in love with Jasmine and I want to spend the rest of my life with her." Still wearing a look of surprise, Shane said, "Propose? You're going to propose to Jasmine... tonight?" Nodding his head, Ethan said, "Yes. I am going to propose to Jasmine tonight, Shane. Plus, I've already asked her father for his blessing, and I have the ring in my pocket as we speak." Brows raised, Shane said, "Wow man. You're really serious about her, huh?" Nodding once more, Ethan said, "Again.... why do you seem so surprised Shane?" Shaking his head as in disbelief, Shane said, "I guess I'm just still in shock that you guys haven't known one another that long, and you're already asking her to spend the rest of her life with you." Irritation filled Ethan once more and his tone reflected it as he said, "Have you ever known me to make a rash decision? Or one that I hadn't fully thought through Shane?" Shaking his head, Shane said, "No. Never." Locking gazes with his best friend, Ethan said, "And this decision is no different. I knew that I wanted to marry Jasmine from damn near the moment that I met her, and after spending time with her, and after getting to know her, I've fallen more in love with her. I can't envision my life without her in it. Jasmine is the one Shane." Ethan watched as a slow smile crossed Shane's face before he patted him on the back and said, "Well...in that case, I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Texting Carmen to make sure that everything had been arranged for the proposal that he planned that night, he smiled at his phone when he read her message, "Hey Bear! Everything is all set, and I am so excited!! Dad called his friend in Brooklyn, and they were able to get everything that you asked for, and it is all set for you guys. Just shoot me a text right before you guys get there, so that I can give the crew a heads up." Smiling, Ethan sent a response, "Thanks Midge."