He smiles, and I sink.
I melt. I disappear.
“If you want me back, I would love to make that happen.” He winks. “It can be the best birthday gift anyone has ever given me . . . which is pretty big, considering you’ve given me some really good ones.”
“I don’t know what to say,” I mutter.
He’s so calm. So quiet. So still. So unnervingly at peace.
“You could say, "Yes, Asher, I would love for you to be my husband" or "no, I don't want to." Clearly, only one is the right answer, but if your answer is the second one . . . I’ll just have to try to convince you this whole lifetime.”
He kisses Cash’s forehead. “And the next.”
Asher stands, placing our baby boy in the bassinet next to the worn couch I’ve had since I was in college. He walks toward me and looks down so his chestnut eyes meet mine.
“I was just kidding, by the way.” He pulls a ring from his pocket and gets on one knee, his smile radiating so much joy.
“Of course I was going to ask. Hailey Fox, you already make me the happiest man in the world. You have shown me so much about life, love, and myself with your selflessness—and selfishly, I just want you all to myself. Forever.” He smiles, and a tear breaks free from his eye, tracing his cheek and landing in his mustache. “I would be so honored to call you my wife.”
I throw myself at him, hugging tightly around his neck.
“Is that a yes, Hales?”
I hold him tighter. “That’s a hell yes.” I put some distance between us so he can see the happiness in my eyes, beyond what I can convey with my words.
I want him to see the tears of joy trickling down my face, how much I’m shaking.
I want him to see my love for him in every gold speckle in my eyes.
I want him to know how there is no doubt in my mind it’s his arms I’m meant to be in.
He slides the beautiful ring on, and then it hits me. “So I’m moving to Alaska?”
He shakes his head, surprising me. “Oh, I didn’t tell you? I’m not going back.”
“What?”
Our joint laughter bounces in the space, startling Cash and making me smile.
“I got him.” Asher drops my hand, shaking his head, and speedwalks to our son as I admire the pretty pink diamond on my finger.
He holds our boy in his arms, sliding a paci into his mouth and coming back to me. He’s bouncing, calming him as if it’s the most natural thing in the world, as if being a dad is the easiest thing for him.
“I have a job here, in Baker.” He kisses the baby’s forehead before holding my hand in his. “Working for Florida Rescue.”
“But being a rescue swimmer was your dream.”
He shakes his head, his eyes full of glee. “You were my dream all along. I just needed to find you. I’m ready to be the present father and partner I’ve always wanted to be. I’m ready to take care of you.”
“I don’t need you to.”
“I want to. For once in my life, I’m happy.”
He looks at our son, smiling softly before continuing. “For once in my life, I feel like I know my purpose.”
Cash stirs in his arms, and I grab him—it’s boob time. I latch him quickly, looking back at Asher, who starts to lead me back to the couch. “You two are my purpose, and I can’t wait for our new life together.”
He sits next to me, placing his feet on the table and draping mine over his legs. With his arm around me and our son safe on my chest, I know this is exactly where I belong too. “Thank you.”
