Mitch tucked her hair behind her ear, the softness of the moment captivating. “I love you so damn much, Becca. And I want a lifetime to show you. I know it’s sudden, but I mean it. I want marriage, kids, everything. You and Simon and me living together as a family. And look, we even have Oreo.”
She glanced from him to the dog. “Hmm. He looks a lot like the dog Simon can’t stop talking about. But that can’t be right, because this little thing can’t possibly be a Killer or Brutus or Destroyer.”
“No, this is Oreo. Simon fell for her at first sight. Like mother like son.”
She reached around his neck and linked her fingers. “Yep. We’re both in love with the Amazing Flash.”
He groaned, then kissed her. Breathless, he pulled away. “Not yet. I’ve been dying to sink inside you again, but first, I have a present for you.”
She waited while he fetched it, feeling nervous. Marriage and babies? Again? But who else could she envision living her life with? She felt a cold breeze push past her, a cold waft against her cheek. The cold brush of soft lips—a kiss goodbye.
Oreo stared at her with intensity, and her tail wagged though she didn’t move.
“Thank you, Neal,” Becca whispered. “I’ll always love you.”
Oreo stared past Becca to the large Christmas tree surrounded by poinsettias and roses, her expression intent. Becca followed the dog’s gaze and watched as the tree blazed brighter, the lights glowing incredibly white before they settled back into their normal radiance.
She turned around to see Mitch standing there, his mouth open. “What the hell was that?”
Oreo wagged her tail and walked over to lick him.
“That was Neal saying he approves.”
“Are you kidding me?” Mitch approached the tree and fingered a few of the lights. He checked the power cord and connections, then rejoined Becca.
He went to one knee, and her throat closed.
“Becca, I wanted to get you something special.” He held a box to her, one a little bit larger than a typical ring box. “You mean everything to me. I want you in my life, and I want Simon too.” He handed her the box.
She took it with shaky hands. “Mitch?”
“Open it.” He smiled.
She ripped through the paper to open the box. And found… “Socks?”
He snorted. “I can’t propose to you without Simon to witness it. What kind of a guy do you think I am?”
She laughed and kissed him. “I love you so much.”
“You’re damned right you do.” He took the socks from her and showed her the character before removing her shoes and socks and putting them on her feet. “There. Now Black Widow has a fine home on those pretty toes. Just remember, when you see Simon again, tell him Marvel rules. DC drools.”
“Sure. That’s what’ll be on my mind.”
Mitch lifted her in his arms and carried her from the room toward his bedroom. He told her he had things in mind forhis woman, and that he didn’t mind letting her wear those amazing socks while he made her cry his name. She didn’t think he could get her a better gift.
She kissed his neck. “Tell me again, this idea about having a dog…”
“Later, honey. After a few orgasms, okay?”
“And no condom,” she said, toying with the hair at his nape.
He nearly stumbled. “What?”
“Do you or do you not want to make a baby?”
“You had me at no condom.”
She laughed. They spent the hours into the evening and later, talking, kissing, and making sweet love.
