Chapter 116 Best time

Chapter 116 Best time

"That's how you know it's real.
When it scares you but you want it anyway." Bailey replies and I can't help but smile.

"Look at you, when did you become a philosopher?" I tease and she chuckles.

"When I got pregnant and started having all these feelings," Bailey says dramatically. "Seriously though, Talia. I'm so proud of you. You took a risk on Marcus when you could have walked away and look at you now."

"I couldn't have done it without you," I say honestly. "That night you came over with wine and ice cream and talked me through everything…"

"That's what best friends do," Bailey interrupts. "Besides, you did the same for me when I was freaking out about Orion."

"That's right." I agree.

"Now we're both engaged to men we almost lost," Bailey says. "Life is weird."

"Life is perfect," I correct.

"Speaking of perfect," Bailey says, "are you still planning to work at the bakery until I pop this baby out?"

"Of course," I say. "I'm not leaving you to handle Sweet Moments alone when you're about to give birth. After the baby comes and you're settled, then I'll start at Marcus's company."

"You're the best," Bailey says, squeezing my hand.

Eventually, Marcus's father taps his glass, calling for everyone's attention.

"I think it's time for a speech from the groom-to-be," he announces.

My stomach flips.

Marcus looks nervous as he walks to the center of the space, everyone turning to face him.

He clears his throat and pulls a small piece of paper from his pocket, then immediately shoves it back.

"I wrote something down," he says, "but I'm not going to read it. Because what I want to say comes from here."

He taps his chest, right over his heart.

"Four months ago," Marcus begins, his voice steady but emotional, "I was the stupidest man alive. I had the most incredible woman in my life but I was too scared to admit how much she meant to me. I kept her at arm's length because I thought protecting myself from getting hurt was more important than being honest about my feelings."

He pauses, his eyes finding mine across the crowd.

"Talia walked away because I couldn't give her what she deserved and I let her go because I was a coward."

His voice cracks slightly on the last word.

"But then something happened and she gave me another chance. 
It's not because I deserved it because I definitely didn't but because she was braver than I ever was. She took a risk on me even after I'd hurt her. And from that moment, I promised myself I would spend every single day proving I was worth that risk."

I can feel tears starting to form in my eyes.

"Talia changed my life," Marcus continues, and now his voice is definitely shaking. "She taught me that love isn't about protecting yourself.
Love is about being vulnerable enough to let someone see all of you. The good parts and the broken parts and the scared parts and then trusting them to love you anyway."

He wipes at his eyes, not even trying to hide that he's crying now.

"Baby, you made me yours," he says directly to me. "You molded me into a better man. A man who shows up. A man who's honest. A man who's worthy of your love. And I promise you, for the rest of my life, I'm going to keep showing up. I'm going to keep being honest. I'm going to keep proving that you made the right choice when you said yes to me."

Several people in the crowd are crying now.
Bailey is full-on sobbing into Orion's shoulder, Grandma Helen is dabbing at her eyes with a tissue, even Marcus's mother looks emotional.

"I love you, Talia," Marcus says, his voice raw. "I've loved you since that night you called me crying about your boss, and I realized I'd rather listen to you rant for hours than spend five minutes with anyone else. I love every stubborn, brilliant, beautiful part of you. And I can't wait to spend the rest of my life showing you exactly how much."

The crowd erupts in applause and cheers.

I'm crying so hard I can barely see as I make my way through the crowd toward him.

When I reach him, Marcus pulls me into his arms, and I don't care that everyone is watching.

"I love you too," I whisper against his chest. " Thank you for fighting for us."

Marcus kisses  the top of my head. "I'll always fight for us."

Someone from the crowd yells "Kiss her already!" and the crowd laughs and cheers.
That voice is definitely Austin's.

Marcus doesn't need to be told twice.

He cups my face and kisses me, slow and sweet and perfect, while everyone we love celebrates around us.

When we finally break apart, Grandma Helen has somehow materialized next to us.

"That was a beautiful speech," she says to Marcus. "But remember what I said…you hurt her, I end you."

"I would never dream of hurting her.” Marcus says seriously and Grandma Helen nods in satisfaction.

“ I will be waiting for good news. I still want to hold more great grabs kids before my heart stops beating.” She says before walking away with a huge grin on her face.

“ She can be dramatic at times.” I say but Marcus shakes his head.

“ She cares about you like her own.” He points out and he is right about that. Grandma Helen never differentiated between Bailey and I. To her, I am her granddaughter as much as Bailey is.

The party continues late into the night.

Bailey and Orion leave early because Bailey's back is hurting, but not before giving me a present that is supposed to complete the night.

After most of the guests have left, it's just Marcus and me.

Marcus pulls me aside, leading me to a quiet corner of the rooftop.

"Did you have a good time?" he asks.

"The best time," I say honestly. "Your speech... Marcus, I don't even have words."

"I meant every word," he says seriously. "Talia, I know these past four months have been good, but I want you to know…it's not just for show. This is who I am now. Who I want to be for you and for us."

"I know," I say. "I believe you and I trust you."
Marcus kisses me again, slower this time, deeper.
"I love you, babygirl," he whispers against my lips.

"I love you too, Daddy," I whisper back.