Chapter 229 After the Yes

Ethan’s POV The cheers were still ringing in my ears when I slipped the ring onto her finger. Katelyn’s hands trembled, her laughter mixing with tears as she threw her arms around my neck. I rose, pulling her close, the microphone forgotten, the room erupting around us. For a moment, I let myself feel it all. The warmth of her arms, the way her face pressed against my shoulder, the chant of “To forever!” echoing from every corner of the hall. Light sticks waved like stars, and the people who had doubted me, who had judged us, were now clapping and shouting with joy. But none of that mattered as much as the woman in my arms. Katelyn. My second chance. My last chance. By midnight, the party had thinned. Guests left in pairs and groups, cheeks red from wine, arms heavy with coats and gifts. Fallon hugged Katelyn goodbye, Allen teased me until she smacked his arm, and Lucas fell asleep on one of the guest beds, curled on his side, clutching a small pillow. When the last car pulled away, si