Chapter Text
Anthony and Kate have officially been together for three months, and for Kate it’s been the most blissful three months she’s had in a long time. Things have progressed quickly with them, and they’ve spent every day and night together since he got back from his last trip and confessed, he had feelings for her. In the past three months, they’ve talked about living together, marriage and kids. In a matter of three short months they’ve covered their entire future, and though it may seem rushed they both knew what they wanted, and it was to spend the rest of their lives together. “Counting down the hours until I can see your face again.” Kate murmured through her phone as they spoke over Facetime. Anthony was away for work again, but it was only for the week and only across the country away instead of a whole continent away.
“We have the flat all to ourselves again, since Hyacinth is back in uni and I plan on making use of that.” He flirted making her blush. If the last three months is any indication on how the rest of their lives is going to be he couldn’t wait. He felt like the luckiest man alive, and he never wanted to lose it or to her. “I love you honey, see you soon.”
“I love you too.” She echoed before hanging up.
“Morning Kate.” Ben greeted as he passed her half-dressed on his way to the bathroom.
She giggled shaking her head, crossing the hall towards Jade’s room. “Are you decent?” Kate asked knocking on the door.
“Mostly.” Jade answered when Kate peeked her head through the door.
“So.” Kate started sitting at the end of the bed.
“So.” Jade echoed.
“You and Ben have been inseparable.” She observed, they’ve spent almost every day together for the past three months.
“Ben is great, I really like him.” She stated coyly.
She rolled her eyes it wasn’t like Jade to act timid around her and Kate knew something was up. “What-” She started to say before she heard a knock on the door.
“Baby, I’m going to head out I have to see that flat downtown, but I’ll see you tonight.” Ben winked kissing her goodbye. “I’ll see you later Kate.”
“Bye Ben.” Kate beamed. “Anthony and I knew you’d hit it off, but we’re truly amaze on how well.”
“Well, it helps that he’s really good with his hands.” She smirked.
“Gross.” She groaned. “Truly surprised you both haven’t created some sex painting.” Kate joked once she heard their apartment door slam shut.
“Oh, we plan to once we have the studio set up.” She teased riling Kate up.
“Shut up.” She chuckled. “Anthony and I really should go into matchmaking.”
“How are you two doing?” Jade asked happily changing the subject.
“We’re really good. I know it’s only been three months, but I see the rest of my life with him and I’m happy we finally took the step.” She admitted. Things were moving fast between her and Anthony, but it didn’t scare her everything was falling right into place.
“Me too.” Jade beamed taking ahold of her hand. “You deserve it Kate, enjoy every single second you deserve the most beautiful love.”
“You too.” Kate murmured pulling her friend into a hug. “Hope Ben gets to unlock that beautiful heart of yours” She winked.
“He has.” She murmured incoherently.
“Jade.” Kate gasped. “You’re in love with him?” She asked her friend wide-eyed full of excitement.
“Yes.” She stated a bit louder. “I didn’t think-” She paused. “I thought we’d just have some fun you know, coworkers that occasionally hook up.” She shrugged truly surprised that she fell in love and out of all people her best friend’s boyfriend’s brother.
Kate giggled completely elated for her friend all she wanted was for her to experience a wholesome beautiful love. It hasn’t been easy for Jade in past relationships and she’s glad she found someone like Ben a truly good-hearted person. “Bridgerton men are really good charmers.”
“I should have known.” Jade scoffed rolling her eyes. “The second Anthony came back into your life; you couldn’t wipe the smile off your face.” She teased.
“Don’t you mean sad hot British boy?” She chuckled. “What should we call Ben? The happy, waggly smiled artist.”
“Shut up, mine was better.” Jade grinned.
“Oh Jade, I’m so happy for you.” Kate squealed pulling her friend into a hug. “When did you realize?”
She shrugged. “I honestly don’t know, whenever we paint together it feels right, we put our favorite playlist and spend hours painting and talking.” She shook her head she knew she sounded like a lovestruck teenager, but she loved him, and she planned on telling him sooner than later. “It’s never been this easy before.”
“He sounds like the one to me.” Kate radiated. “Who knew they’d be a possibility of us becoming sister in laws.”
“Alright I think you’re getting ahead of yourself; I said I love him not that I wanted to marry him.” She laughed shoving her friend playfully.
“We’ll see.” Kate shrugged lightheartedly.
“So, you and Anthony, have you guys talked about marriage?” Jade wondered; she wouldn’t be surprised if it was something that happened sooner than later.
“We’ve talked about it, nothing official but it something we both want.” Kate expressed unshyly.
“If Anthony came bursting through that door right now and went down and one knee and asked you to marry him, would you?” Jade asked eyeing her friend. Though she already knew her answer and wanted to truly make sure.
“Yes.” She stated immediately. “I have not one single doubt in my mind that he is who I’m meant to be with.” Kate told Jade proudly.
It’s only been a week since Anthony left for California, but Kate feels like it’s been years. She’s been parked outside the airport for a few minutes and her excitement to see him again has got her on edge she’s doesn’t know whether to wait in the car or outside though it’s the middle of winter. She wasn’t sure if she should wait on the passenger side or the driver’s side since it was his car, she was so scatterbrained she forgot to check the trunk to see if there was room for his suitcase.
“Morning beauty.” Anthony greeted kissing her cheek surprising her.
“Oh.” Kate squealed startled before she jumped into his arms kissing him passionately. “Hey baby.” She beamed before kissing him again. “I’ve missed you so much.”
“I’ve missed you too love.” He murmured squeezing her tightly. “I swear I can’t even remember what happened this past week all I thought about was coming back home to you.” He confessed with a smirk.
“We’ll you’re back, let’s go home.” She grinned tangling her fingers in his hair.
“Let’s go.” He announced excitedly throwing his suitcase in the trunk.
They couldn’t keep their hands off each other the whole car ride home, they acted like two lovestruck teenagers. “Please tell me you don’t have another work meeting anytime soon.” She pouted squeezing his hand.
“Nothing is scheduled for the next couple months.” He informed her gently reciprocating her gesture. He has some big plans for them arranged for the next couple of months and he’s hoping they’d all work out. “What about you?”
“Just one in Seattle, at the end of the school year but I was hoping you’d come with me make it a mini vacation.” She suggested.
“Sure.” He promised kissing the back of her hand. “I’ll go anywhere with you.”
“Me too.” She beamed kissing his cheek as he stopped at a red light. “I love you.”
“I love you too honey.” He expressed pulling her in for a long and fervent kiss which caused them to receive an impatient honk from the car behind them as the light changed making them both burst into laughter.
Once they were back in Anthony’s apartment, he threw his suitcase aside before picking up Kate bridal style and carried her to his room. They spent hours together in bed making up for the lost time. He couldn’t handle another night without her in his bed, he pulled her close to his side squeeze her bare waist, her back resting against his chest. She pulled his hands up to her lips and kissed his fingers, Anthony couldn’t imagine a relationship more intimate than this. “Kate.” He murmured nuzzling his face in her hair.
“Hm.” She hummed turning around to face him gazing into his eyes filled with adoration.
“I think we should move in together.” He suggested softly brushing his fingers through her hair.
“Oh-”
“Only if you want.” He blurted out nervously. They’ve talked about but maybe it was too soon for her.
“Yes.” She beamed gazing into his eyes. “My lease is up next month. I think Jade plans to renew her lease with Ben or find something bigger since he spends most of his time there anyway and I’ve spent most of my time here.”
“So, Jade won’t hate me for stealing her roommate?” He teased closing the space between them.
“I think she’s really enjoying time with a future roommate, so I doubt it.” She told him caressing his cheek before his fingers drifted to his hair massaging the back of scalp. “Are you sure about this? You really want to live with me?”
He closed the space between them and smiled. “I want to spend every second of the rest of my life with you.”
“I think we’d drive each other crazy if we did that.” Kate giggled, she did want to spend the rest of her life with Anthony but spending every single second, it was close to impossible, but she knew if Anthony could, he would.
“I doubt that.” He flirted kissing her. “You know by thirty I never expected to follow my baby sister to New York, but I’m glad it led me back to you.” He confessed. “Cause not having you in my life was never part of the plan, you were meant to be a permanent part of it.”
“We’ve might have had a little break, but I never doubted we’d find our way back to each other.” She winked before taking ahold of his hand the rested under the sheets.
“Maybe if it wasn’t an idiot, our relationship would have been a little different.” He locked eyes with her.
She exhaled resting her head on the pillow as she gazed over at him. “How different?”
“Before my dad passed away, I was planning on finally asking you on a proper date, but I had to build the courage I wanted it to be perfect. I was so in love with you and so scared that I’d somehow mess everything up, and I did.” He confessed tracing his finger over her face. “But if everything didn’t go to shit the moment it did. There would have been two rings on your finger by now, and this loft would have a massive couch with huge pillows because you love to be comfortable, and all your things spread all over this room and the bathroom vanity would be covered with all your cosmetics. Even if it wasn’t this loft specifically, or New York I would have followed you no matter where you ended up, because this was always meant to be.”
She blinked away tears, that threatened to slip. His confession was beautiful and is exactly how she pictured her life with him and hearing him say it out loud filled her with emotion. “So, you really want to get married?” She murmured.
“I want everything with you.” He expressed. “I want the marriage, the house, the kids, until death do us part.” He promised. “Do you?”
She nodded speechless. “I want everything with you too. The good, the bad, the insanity.” She giggled. “Every single thing.”
“I’d marry you right now Kate, but you deserve something so special, and I promise you that’s exactly what you’re going to get.” He swore.
“Anthony, you don’t-” She protested. She didn’t need a proposal she’d walk into city hall right now with him if he wanted. She didn’t need anything extravagant all she needed was Anthony.
“I want to, it might even make you want to spend every single second of the rest of your life with me.” He teased with a smirk.
“I love you.” She stated laughing into the kiss.
Anthony: Any chance you two are free sometime soon?
Ben: Jade and I should be done setting up the studio around 3 tomorrow. If you’re available then, and if she doesn’t have any plans.
Jade: I’m available.
Anthony: Sounds great, I’ll meet you guys at your studio.
Ben: May I ask why you need us?
Anthony: I’ll tell you tomorrow.
“J? J are you home?” Ben called dropping his keys on the kitchen counter.
“Hey babe.” Jade greeted wrapping her arms around him pulling him for a kiss. “I missed you.” She grinned intertwining her fingers in his cuddling into his chest.
“I’ve missed you too.” Pecking her lips as Frida brushed against their legs.
“I think Frida missed you too.” She beamed.
“Why do you think Ant needs us tomorrow?” Ben asked eyeing her.
“Isn’t it obvious?” Jade questioned earning a puzzled look from Ben. “I think he’s going to ask Kate to marry him.”
“It’s only been like three months.” He stated shocked. He’s truly ecstatic that Kate and Anthony are finally together but he didn’t think Anthony would run and get married.
“Not really like I told you they’ve been basically dating since he moved here.” Jade expressed as she rubbed Ben’s back.
“I guess, you’re right three months is actually two decades in the making.” He chuckled excited for Kate and Anthony’s future. “Three months with you flew by.” He murmured caressing her face.
“Yeah, it did.” She told him gazing up at him. “I just met you, but I also feel like I’ve known you my entire life.” She confessed mindlessly.
“I know what you mean.” He smirked as he kissed her slowly before he deepened the kiss.
“I love you.” She whispered against his lips refusing to open her eyes.
“Open your eyes.” He demanded gently. “I love you too.” He confessed gazing into her eyes. “So much.” He brushed her braids away from her face and grinned. “I’m pretty sure I fell in love with you that first week when we spent the night painting together.”
“I would have run away if you admitted that to me back three months ago.” She teased wrapping her arms around his waist leaning against him. “Also, since we’re confessing to each other I should probably let you know my actual name isn’t Jade, Jade is my middle name.”
“Let me guess.” He teased. “It’s Amy.”
“God no.”
“What’s a very American name?” He thought. “Britney.”
“No.” She giggled covering his mouth. “It’s Sophie.”
He kissed the palm of her hand before gently uncovering his mouth. “That’s a beautiful name.” He smirked. “It suits you, a beautiful name for a beautiful woman.”
“I love you.” She crooned.
“I love you too Sophie Jade Beckett.” He grinned pulling her in for another kiss.
“I hate how happy you make me.” She teased wrapping her arms around him and resting her head on his chest.
“I don’t.” He murmured kissing the top of her head. “You make me the happiest man in the world.”
“Ew we’re so cheesy.” She complained flippantly pulling away from him. “We’re getting up there with Kate and Anthony.”
“I think we’ll be worse.” He declared sealing it with a kiss.
“Hey, why did you need to talk to us?” Ben questioned looking at his brother who looked like a nervous wreck.
“Well, I wanted to let you both know, more Jade than you.” He expressed. “You’re just always with her so I knew I couldn’t avoid telling you. But you better not tell Hyacinth or any of our siblings because they have blabber mouths. I’m trusting you Ben, don’t ruin this for me.” He demanded to his brother who scoffed at him offensively. “I’m planning on asking Kate to marry me and I was hoping you’d join me in meeting Kate’s family tomorrow when I plan on telling them.” He directed to Jade.
“I knew it.” Jade screamed excitedly. “Of course. Babe, you have to keep your promise don’t tell anyone. You’re not very good with keeping surprises.” She stated looking up at Ben.
“I am.” He scoffed. Before Jade reminded him of a few weeks ago when it was her birthday and he told her what he got her before she even had a chance to open it. “I was just really excited, because I knew it was something you really wanted, and I couldn’t wait.”
“That’s exactly what we mean.” Jade grumbled.
“I won’t say a word.” He finally promised kissing her forehead.
“Thanks for meeting me here.” Anthony huffed apprehensively, as three pairs of concerned eyes looked back at him. Those three pairs of eyes belonged to the most important people in Kate’s life her mom, sister and best friend. Jade knew why they were there, but she was concerned because he looked like he was going to throw up. “I’ve never been to this restaurant, but I’ve heard great things-”
“Anthony.” Jade scolded bringing him back to himself. “You can do this.” She encouraged. “Just don’t throw up on us.”
“I- um.” He stuttered he felt like all the air in his lungs was refusing to go to his brain.
“Are you going to ask Kate to marry you or not? You rambling idiot.” Edwina yelled impatiently.
“Edwina, you’re being rude.” Mary reprimanded glaring at her daughter. “Obviously we’re here for a reason, and it’s something about Kate and you’re nervous when you shouldn’t be.” Mary stated warmly taking a hold of his hand. “We love you Anthony, and you make Kate very happy we’re here for the both of you no matter what.”
“I know it seems soon.” He sighed taking a deep breath trying to subside his nerves. “We’ve only been together for a few months, but I can’t imagine the rest of my life without her.” He vented solemnly; he can tell them he’s deeply in love with her but even those words aren’t enough to express how he feels.
“Anthony, if you’re asking for my permission.” Mary paused giving him a small smile. “Yes, we’d love for you to be a part of our little family.” She told him wrapping her arms around Edwina and Jade.
“Yeah, I guess we approve.” Jade murmured sarcastically.
Anthony chuckled. “I also wanted to ask you guys something else, I wanted all three of you to help me design the ring.”
“Oh Anthony, that’s really sweet.” Mary gasped. Mary was so pleased Kate and Anthony found their way back to each other even just as friends though she always hoped that it turned romantic. She’s always loved Anthony and the entire Bridgerton clan, they were always there for Kate and for their little family, even when Kate and Anthony stopped talking, they always stayed in touch and she was grateful they did.
“Well, who better to ask than her favorite people, the jewelry store is a few blocks down.” He informed them. “I was hoping we’d go after lunch.”
“We’re picking the biggest diamond we can find.” Edwina teased, heckling her future brother-in-law.
“We’re really happy for you two.” Mary celebrated brushing her thumb against Anthony’s cheek. She knew Kate and Anthony will have a happy and healthy relationship; she couldn’t wait to see the future they create.
“Yes, finally you have no idea what it was like watching those two for the past year and a half. It was torture” Jade complained humorously.
“Please we’ve watched it for almost two decades.” Edwina added rolling her eyes.
Anthony blushed taking a sip of his drink, looking back and the past two decades he can finally admit to himself that ending up was Kate was his destiny. No matter where they both ended up, they’d find their way back to each other.
“So, when do you plan on proposing?” Edwina asked distracting Anthony from his thoughts.
“I was hoping in the spring, I don’t know exactly how, but she loves the spring and the flowers, so I have a few months to figure it out.” He informed them. “I was hoping to maybe have everyone meet us at Ben and Jade’s studio for a private party. Hopefully, if she says yes.” Anthony murmured.
“I have no doubt.” Mary assured.
It took Ben and Jade six months, to complete all the art for the gallery and open their studio and Anthony couldn’t deny he was impressed. All the current art was realism and abstract realism whether it was paintings of strangers in the city, or a painting of the skyline cutting through the clouds what Ben and Jade made together was beautiful and their relationship was something Anthony found even more beautiful he’s never seen his brother so besotted.
“You look gorgeous honey.” Anthony complimented pulling her by the waist and kissing her temple.
She was wearing a long sleeve simple black dress that reached her knees with her curls were pulled into a high ponytail with smaller curls framing her face. “Thank you.” She grinned leaning into his embrace and kissing him. “You look really handsome.” He was wearing black slacks and black polo; his hair was bit longer than it usually was and loosely slicked back. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too, always until the day I take my last breath and beyond.” He told her. They’ve been living together for over three months now and no relationship was perfect, but he believed theirs was something close to it.
“Can’t believe I waited over a decade to hear you say that.” She expressed resting her head on his shoulder. Combining her space with Anthony’s was surprisingly easy, she wasn’t sure if it was because his loft was abnormally large or because his loft was practically a blank space even though he lived there for an entire year. It was incredible how they were so easily able to intertwine their lives together. Their place together made Kate feel so completely at home and that’s something she hasn’t felt in a long time.
They walked in together hand in hand, with biggest smiles plastered on their faces the studio beautiful it didn’t feel like a regular old stuffy white studio with just art on the walls but a home. There were small tables and cushions so guest can sit and observe, so they can feel lived in with the art. “This one is my favorite.” Kate told Anthony it was the combination of the London and New York skyline merged. “It’s like both our homes becoming one.”
“I know a perfect place for it.” Anthony beamed.
“This was amazing.” Kate celebrated pulling Ben and Jade in for a hug. “Congratulations, everything was impeccable!” Kate exclaimed jumping up and down.
“Everything sold out.” Jade revealed with a beaming smile looking up and Ben proudly. “We did it babe.”
“We did.” He echoed kissing her. “But those sex paintings are just for us.” He winked.
“Gross.” Anthony muttered. “Let’s go babe.” He demanded taking Kate by the hand and walking towards the front of the studio.
“Hey, you promised us food and drinks.” Ben stated rushing behind Anthony and Kate, with Jade intact.
2 weeks later
Hyacinth: Look what I found in Anthony’s sock drawer
Eloise: No way. It’s only been like 6 months.
Daphne: Please more like 2 decades in the making.
Francesca: I’m so excited for them.
Eloise: Do you think she’ll say yes?
Daphne: Why wouldn’t she?
Eloise: Because it’s Anthony.
Daphne: Lol very true, but she’s the best when it comes to handling the madness that is Anthony.
Eloise: Don’t you think they’re rushing this.
Francesca: No, they’re perfect for each other.
Hyacinth: Do you think he already has something planned? Should I help him.
Francesca: I think he’s been planning this for years.
“You two look really nice.” Hyacinth commented with a smirk. “Anthony can talk to you before you go?”
“Sure.” He hummed puzzled.
She grabbed him by his arm and dragged him to her room slamming the door behind her. “Are you going to ask her tonight?” Hyacinth asked excitedly.
“Ask who what?” He stated nervously.
“I found the ring in your dresser this morning.” She admitted. “Horrible place to hide it by the way, don’t act daft.”
“Fine, yes I am.” He groaned. “But lower your voice. Also, I’m going to need you to be gone tonight. We’ll see you tomorrow for the party. Hopefully, if she says yes.”
“She will.” Hyacinth stated encouragingly. “As long as you promise they’ll be pictures.”
“Yes, I promise.”
You know New York isn’t as bad as I thought.”
“It took you over a year to admit you like New York?”
“It’s only because it brought me back to you.”
She rolled her eyes. “Come on admit it, the night life, the best food, the diversity.”
“Yes, the grime, the subway system, and the overly expensive.” He paused. “Well, everything.”
“Ant, baby.” She sighed. “You can’t stay here if you’re miserable.”
“I’m the happiest I’ve been in a really long time, even with the dirt, transportation and overcharge of it all. New York is home now, and it is growing on me.” He admitted brushing his thumb over hers.
“I really do hope so.” She pouted resting her head on his shoulder. “Thank you for bringing me to the botanical garden.” She beamed as they walked through a row of cherry blossoms. “It’s literally one of my favorite places.”
“I know.” He murmured nervously before he turned to face her. “Kate, I know it’s only been six months, but we’ve known each other almost our whole lives.” He stated shakily. “And I know I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
“Anthony.” She whispered emotionally.
“I was stupid enough to let myself lose eight years with you; I don’t want to lose another second.” He confessed getting down on one knee as he took out the ring from his pocket. “Will you marry me?”
She was left speechless as tears flowed from her eyes staring down at him in awe before she spoke again. “Yes, of course.” She beamed pulling him up and jumping into his arms.
“You had me worried for a second.” He murmured in between kisses.
“I was in shock.” She admitted as nonstop tears streamed down her face. “Is this real?” She questioned trying to catch her breath. “We’re getting married?” She gazed at him with pure disbelief in her eyes like someone could wake her up in any moment.
“Yes, very much so.” He swore. “We’re going to spend forever together; I’d find you in any timeline and every lifetime Kate.”
“I love you.” She murmured not knowing what else to say, what else could she say? This man owned her heart and now she was going to spend forever with him. She pulled him in for a kiss wrapping her arms around his shoulders and kissed him deeply. “I want to spend every second of the rest of my life with you.” She smirked.
“I knew you would.” He chuckled before kissing her again.