Chapter TwentyThree - My Life

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—character view; Bryce Manning—

We have been together for a decade but feels like forever. We have had goals. We have put our all in this relationship. Given everything, beat the odds. Made sacrifices and it's time for the next chapter. I have waited long enough. She's the one. She has always been.
Mark throws the basketball at me and says "aye man! What's on your mind?"
I catch the ball and say "did you ever think that Cassy was ever gonna come around to wanting kids? Marriage?"
Mark says "I didn't think she'd ever come around to wanting kids but marriage is compromise. I had to believe that there would be a day where she had a change of heart."
I shoot the ball into the hoop and say "what changed her mind?"
Mark throws the ball to Luke and says "she absolutely adored Evie. She got baby fever. She was ready. So I thank y'all and Evie for that."
I say "Kimmy's the one. I will marry her."
Luke says "when you know, you know. Y'all have been through a lot all these years. It's time you put a ring on it."
We all go back to shooting hoops because we are distracted and keep missing.

—character view; Kimberly Scott—

It's me, Bryce and Everly, Cassandra, Mark and Ruby, Deluca and Alana, Bryce's parents and my parents all at this reserved dinner table. Bryce said it's time we toast for a new year. Most restaurants are closed on new year but this fancy one doesn't, it's when they're the busiest.
Bryce stands up to make a toast, and several waiters bring out a piece of cake for everyone. Mines different. It says 'marry me' on it, was this a mistake? I look at Bryce and he's on one knee, holding a ring and says "so will you marry me?"
My hearts racing, I'm flooded with emotion. Why am I not speaking? Why is it so hard to speak? I'm crying so my makeup is ruined.
I finally manage to speak and I say "yes! A million times, yes" and I jump into his arms and we kiss.
He finally proposed after spending over 10 years together. I thought we had given up on marriage. That we were perfectly fine the way we are. I'm so thrilled that I will be future Mrs Kimberly Manning. I get my fiancé and daughter's last name.
Everyone claps and cheers. Cassandra says "let me see that ring!"
I show her and everyone else and they all complimented how gorgeous it is.

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