She's Mine

Chapter Thirty

Hope POV-

Josie and I pull into the driveway and I throw the car into park. We head inside to see everyone waiting for us in the living room. Aunt Freya speaks first, "So?" A huge smile breaks out across my face, "She said yes!" Everyone jumps up wanting to see the ring I got Josie. "Welcome to the family, Josie," Aunt Bex gives Josie a huge hug. "Now, let me see this ring," Josie lifts her hand to show Aunt Bex. "Damn Hope, that's my girl, this ring is beautiful." Davina comes over next to admire the ring with Kol. "Are you trying to out do me, Hope?" Kol shakes his head at me laughing.

The rest of our trip went smoothly. I took Josie to Rousseau's and into the town quarter. We ended up going back to the bayou a couple more times too. I ended up having to soundproof my room because I was doing my job every night with Josie. Not that she minded. When it finally came time to leave, it felt like we had been here for weeks, but it was time to return to school.

Josie POV-

It was the last day of our trip in New Orleans before we had to fly back to school. I hadn't told Lizzie about Hope proposing yet, I wanted to show her the ring in person. One thing I kept thinking about was telling my parents. Hope's family was so accepting. I hope my parents are, too.

Rebecca, Marcel, Davina, and Kol had already left a couple of days ago. Rebecca told us to come visit more. Everyone gave me a hug before leaving. "Are you guys ready to go?" Freya calls from downstairs. "Be right down!" Hope and I are just finishing packing. We head down the stairs to see Freya, Keelin, and Nik waiting for us. "We're ready." Hope grabs our suitcases and heads out to the car with Freya. "Thank you for visiting us, Josie, we really loved having you here. You are always welcome here. And, if you ever have any questions about your bond with Hope or her wolf, feel free to reach out to Freya or me." I step forward to hug Keelin. "Thank you, for everything." I lean down, "Goodbye Nik, you be good, and stop growing," Keelin chuckles. "You better get going, have a safe flight back." I head outside to see Freya and Hope hugging.

We all get into the car and Freya drives us to the airport. We hop out of the car and Freya jumps out to give me a hug goodbye. She leans into my ear to whisper, "If you need anything, feel free to call me, for anything." I nod my head in response. "Thank you, Freya." Hope grabs my hand and we walk inside the airport.

Security was a breeze, so Hope and I make it to our gate with an hour to spare. We grab some seats, "Hey Hope?" Hope turns towards me. She places her hand on top of mine. "What's on your mind, beautiful?" Hope looks confused since we just had such a good break. "How are we going to tell my parents that we are engaged?" Hope smiles. "Babe, I got both your dad and Caroline's blessing before asking you. They just asked that we wait to get married until after you graduate. They knew I was planning on asking you over the break." Relief washes over me but not for long. "Wait, what about Lizzie?"

"Yeah, no, I didn't tell her anything so she might be a little mad she wasn't in the loop, I'll keep my distance when you tell her." Hope gives me hand a quick squeeze. "Oh no, you don't get to get away that easy. You will be there when I tell her." Hope curses under her breath. I squeeze her hand back, "Don't worry, babe, I'll protect you." Hope lays her head against mine. "Always and forever."

Hope POV-

The flight back was uneventful, Josie fell asleep with her head on my shoulder again, my hand resting on her leg. This time though, I had her ring to look at. I can't believe Josie and I are engaged. Alaric is going to be my father in law. Caroline is going to be my mother in law. Lizzie my sister in law. It is crazy to think that my family is expanding.

Alaric was waiting with the car at the airport for us. "How was the trip?" I crawl into the backseat after Josie, "She said yes," both of us are beaming as Alaric looks back at us through the rearview mirror. Josie places her hand on the center console to show her dad the ring. "Damn Hope, good job, it is beautiful, Josie." Alaric puts his attention back on the road. "What did Lizzie say?" Josie and I go quiet. "We haven't told her, yet, we are going to when we get home." Alaric nods his head. "Better tell her soon."

We arrive back at the school right around dinner time. "Jo, we should head upstairs and tell Lizzie before anyone else does." We make our way up the stairs and down the hall to the twins' room. Josie hesitates slightly before turning the knob and opening the door. "Hey Lizzie, how are-?" She gets cut off by Lizzie engulfing Josie in a hug. "I missed you so much, Jo." Lizzie takes a step back. "Well," Josie looks back at me before continuing, "Hope and I have some news we want to share with you."