Ava
THE RING FELT foreign around my finger, making me completely aware of its place on my hand, reminding me of what it meant. I couldn’t believe it when Markus took me to his office; it had been like reliving a nightmare — only to have it turn into a dream halfway through.
The next stop had been ring shopping. Markus had selected an old jeweler downtown who not only made unique settings but also sized them in-house. Now a beautiful diamond set in sapphires wound its way around my left ring finger, and I couldn’t contain my smile.
On the way back to the stadium, Markus had told me about his conversation with Bryce the night when everything had shifted. I chuckled, realizing it was exactly the sort of thing my brother would do. I couldn’t wait to see the shock on his face when he found out what had transpired.
Markus called Bryce to find out where he was. When we walked down the stadium corridor to find him, the game was long over. We neared the therapy room.
“Are you ready?” Markus asked, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear, his dimples winking at me.
“Let’s go.” I swung open the door, biting back a grin as my brother smiled at me then glared at Markus.
“We need to talk.” He arched a black brow.
“Yeah, yeah, we do.” Markus nodded, his grin wide.
“I wouldn’t be grinning if I were you.” Bryce stood, his hulking form intimidating, and I lost the battle with my smile and began to giggle.
“Not helping, Ava.” He spoke to me quickly then turned his attention back to Markus. “I hope you’re not too fond of him…”
“Dude. Chill. Or should I say… brother?” Markus shrugged then lifted my left hand, wiggling my fingers so the light would catch the ring.
“Holy shit. Really?” Bryce blinked then looked from Markus to me then back. “Dude! Yes! I knew you had it in you!” He walked forward and fist-bumped my brother then pulled him into a hug. Thankfully, Markus had dropped my hand or else I’d have been pulled in as well.
“Dude, you doubted me? I’m hurt,” Markus teased as Bryce released him.
“Nah, but I’m kinda shocked at you, Av. He wore you down fast. You’re not settling, right? Because, let’s be honest, you could do better than—”
Markus shoved him.
I smiled at both of them before answering. “I’m sure. Honestly, I’m shocked he wants to be tied to you. I mean, he already has to put up with your sorry ass every day. Now he’s going to be related to you.” I shook my head sadly.
“Whatever. He’s already my brother. We’re just making if official.”
“Happy to make your bromance dreams come true.” I rolled my eyes but loved the way he was right.
We really were a family.
I’d missed that. I’d always had Bryce, but now… I had Markus too. Really had him. And it fit, perfectly. So many things that I had thought were lost forever… I had found.
And I got to keep them forever.