Then he leaned down and pulled her into a scorching, toe-curling kiss. Complete with tongue and hoots and hollers from the others.

When he finally released her, she was dazed and wore a stupid grin. She turned to the others with that goofy smile, joy filling every part of her heart.

“You guys! I can’t believe this!” she exclaimed.

“Happy birthday, sweetheart,” Ash said, coming forward to hug her.

One by one, all the others came to wish her a happy birthday, hugging and kissing her until she was aglow with happiness.

Jace caught her hand and tugged her toward the table.

“There’s another reason to celebrate at this party, but first you have to open your present from me so we can get to that part,” Jace said with a huge grin.

There was a mischievous glint in his eyes and he looked excited and . . . happy. Then he handed her a square wrapped present with a gorgeous ribbon and bow arrangement.

“Open it!” Chessy squealed. “Oh my God, I can’t wait to see what you got!”

The others chimed in with their encouragement, and Bethany tore into the pretty wrapping, more excited than a kid at Christmas. When she opened the box and found a small jeweler’s box inside, her heart started pounding. With shaking fingers, she opened the smaller box and then gasped when she saw the glittering ring inside.

When she looked to the side for Jace, he had gone down to one knee, his hand already reaching for hers. He took the box from her, plucking the ring from its clasp.

“I love you, Bethany. More than I could have ever imagined loving a woman. You’re my heart and soul and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?”

She stared openmouthed down at him, her heart about to beat right out of her chest. Tears filled her eyes, happy tears this time when for so long they’d signaled sadness. She wanted this moment to last forever. It would forever be burned into her memories.

“Oh, Jace,” she breathed. “I love you too. So much. And yes, I’ll marry you. Absolutely!”

The room erupted in cheers as he slid the ring on her finger. His hands shook. Her hand shook. It was a wonder they were even able to get the ring on without dropping it. Then he stood and pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her. He lifted and whirled her around and around before finally stopping and allowing her to slide down his body until their lips met in a heated rush.

“Love you so much,” he whispered. “I’ll always love you, Bethany.”

“I love you too,” she whispered back. Then she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck and squeezed for all she was worth.

He laughed and spun her around again.

“Let’s cut the cake!” someone yelled.

There, surrounded by her friends and newfound family, Bethany celebrated her twenty-fourth birthday. The very best birthday she’d ever had.

As soon as the cake was cut and devoured, the bar in the ballroom of the Bentley Hotel opened up and a hired band began to play music.

Two hours into the festivities, Bethany was buzzing on amaretto sours and was smiling so much her cheeks ached. She danced with everyone. Gabe, Ash, Mia, Chessy, Brandon, Gina, Trish and Caroline. Even Kaden and Trevor arrived to wish her a happy birthday and to claim their dances as well.

But then Jace claimed his dance and swept her into his arms as the music slowed and became sultry.

They swayed in the middle, uncaring of the others around them as they stared into each others’ eyes.

“Can I ask for one more birthday present?” she asked hesitantly.

Jace looked curiously at her. “Baby, you can ask for anything you want. If it’s within my power to give it to you, consider it yours.”

She ducked her head shyly but he coaxed her chin back up with his fingers.

“Baby, what is it?” he asked softly.

She took a deep breath and put it out there. “I want to go to school. College. Get a degree. I’ve always wanted to but could never dream of affording it. I want to make something of my life. I know you’ll always have my back, always protect me and give me my heart’s desire. But I want to do more than just stay at home and be Mrs. Jace Crestwell. I want to do something. I want to make a difference.”

Jace’s eyes warmed and he gave her a look so filled with love that she instantly melted.

“I think that’s absolutely a wonderful idea,” he whispered. “You can be anything you want to be, baby. Just promise me that you’ll always be mine no matter what else you become.”

“Always,” she whispered.

Their mouths met and he kissed her so tenderly that those happy tears glittered on her eyelashes once more.

Fairy tales did exist for girls like her. And she’d found her very own Prince Charming. She glanced down at the sexy, sparkly stilettos as Jace whirled her around the dance floor. She even had the shoes to prove it.