Chapter 10

Sabrina lay on her bed, hands behind her head, replaying the conversation with her mother over and over. There hadn’t been a single moment where she didn’t feel happy or fulfilled. Once Michael’s walls came down, their relationship flowed so naturally it scared her. She wanted him in her bed at night. She wanted to come home and have everyone gathered around the dinner table.

She drifted off to sleep without even realizing it.

She awoke to the sound of laughter downstairs. Curious, she got up and made her way down, only to stop at the bottom of the stairs in surprise.

Michael had draped a fur rug over his back and was chasing Emma and Maggie around the room, grunting and howling like a wolf. The girls were shrieking with laughter as they ran away from him. Sabrina’s parents were chuckling from the sidelines. Michael caught Sabrina’s eye and gave her a brief smile before turning his attention back to the girls. Her lips curled up without her even noticing.

She walked around to join her parents.

“What on earth is going on?” Sabrina asked.

“Maggie asked Michael something about the next book, and he’s acting out a scene for them,” Mary explained.

“He does a pretty convincing werewolf,” Paul added, laughing.

Sabrina joined in the laughter, watching the scene. Michael looked completely relaxed, immersed in the moment. He had both girls wrapped around his finger like he was always meant to be part of their lives. They were wild, silly, and loud—but he didn’t seem fazed at all. He was laughing, tickling them, matching their energy. It was beautiful.

Suddenly, Sabrina spoke. “Michael, I have something to say.”

Michael stopped in his tracks. Both girls froze, their eyes on her. Her parents turned to look too.

Sabrina met Michael’s gaze, her expression nervous but determined.

“I’ve been foolish these past few days,” she began. “I was afraid ... but I’m not anymore. I love you, Michael. I want to be with you and Emma. I want to be part of your lives—if you’ll have me.”

Those were the words Michael had longed to hear.

“You do?” he teased, a smile tugging at his lips.

“Of course I do! You’re perfect. How could I not love you?”

“I’m not perfect,” he said quickly. “Emma can confirm that.”

Emma laughed and gave an exaggerated nod.

“You’re perfect for me,” Sabrina said firmly.

“You’re everything I could’ve hoped for in a woman—and more,” Michael told her, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m happiest when I’m with you. I love you.”

Sabrina smiled, a tear slipping down her cheek. “Mom helped me realize how silly my fears were.”

Mary beamed, proud and teary-eyed.

“I like your mom. Your dad too,” Michael said. “And Maggie...”

He let out a playful growl in his werewolf voice and tickled Maggie, sending her into another fit of giggles.

Sabrina turned serious again. “I want to be with you and Emma. I want to be part of your lives ... if you’ll let me.”

Michael closed his eyes, soaking in her words, then opened them and gave Emma a little nod.

Emma dashed upstairs and returned a couple of minutes later, standing beside Michael.

Then, together, they dropped to one knee.

“Let’s make it official,” Michael said, taking Sabrina’s hand.

Emma extended a blue velvet box.

Sabrina’s breath caught in her throat as she opened it. Inside was a sparkling diamond ring. Her stunned gaze flew to Michael and Emma.

“Will you marry us, Sabrina?” Emma asked softly.

A sob escaped Sabrina as tears welled in her eyes. She looked at Michael, who was already teary-eyed, his expression open and full of hope.

He gently took her hand. “Will you be my wife, Sabrina?”

“Yes! Yes, of course I’ll marry you!” she cried, dropping to her knees to pull them both into a tight embrace. Emma squealed with joy.