Leaving my palm on my stomach, I sipped at my tea while I got lost looking outside. Images of chasing a chubby toddler, of Guard and Bash, building treehouses, and summer days gardening with Cece and Charlie overwhelmed me. I was so lost in my daydreams, I didn’t even hear Bash come down the stairs.
“You look so beautiful in the moonlight like this,” he said, startling me from my reverie. He approached me slowly, opting to crouch down in front of me rather than take a seat next to me. As he brushed a curl out of my face, I closed my eyes and leaned into his touch. Even on his knees, Bash and I were almost face to face. He was such a formidable presence.
“Are you okay?” he asked, forcing me to open my eyes so he could evaluate my mood.
He was worried about a delayed response to what happened with Crow, and was determined to make sure I had the attention and resources I might need if that time came. Both of us had therapy appointments scheduled, individual and couples. Unable to force any coherent noises past the lump in my throat, I just nodded my head and gave what I hope was an assuring smile.
“You know how much I love you, right?” he asked, my back stiffening at the strange turn in conversation.
“Yes. And I love you,” I replied, reaching out to cup his face, leaning forward to press a soft kiss to his lips, disliking the serious expression marring his beautiful face.
“I wanted to plan this out, do it right, but I don’t think I can wait any longer.” Bash rambled, causing me to eye him with confusion. He took a deep breath, then grabbed my hands. He was still kneeling on the floor next to where I was seated on the couch.
“I can’t imagine living my life without you, and I wasn’t really living before I met you. All I know is that you are the one constant, the one thing I absolutely need in this life. I need you more than the club, more than food, more than the air we breathe. I love you so much it fucking hurts. I feel like I’m going to burst if I don’t make sure you know how I feel, how much love I carry around for you,” he said as tears streamed down my face.
“Fiona Anderson, will you do me the honor of marrying me?” he asked, and I couldn’t help the gasp that escaped.
“You want to get married? To me?” I replied lamely.
“There’s no one else. There will never be anyone but you. You’re it for me, Fee, my one and only. Do you take me to be yours?” he asked, looking hesitant.
I was nodding feverishly, emotions choking me. My nose stung, and I was afraid that if I tried to talk, I would start crying. I jumped into his arms, and he leaned back from the jolt before carefully righting us so we were on the floor together, hugging.
“C’mon, let’s get you off the floor, then I have to go grab something.” Gently pulling me off the ground, he made sure I was reseated on the couch before stepping away.
I could hear him rustling around in the coat closet, but I couldn’t focus on that, the riot of emotions and thoughts going through my head. His words looped in my mind on repeat, to the point I didn’t even realize he was back in the living room, sliding a princess cut diamond ring onto my left hand.
“When! How?” I gasped out, confused.
“Been carrying it around since you moved in. Was never able to keep it too far away from me. Feels damn good to finally have it out of my pocket and on your finger, though.”
“Did you mean what you said?” I asked. My brain and emotions were all over the place, and I was impressed that I was able to string any sentences together.
“Which part?” he asked, frowning.
“I’m your one and only,” I repeated.
“Yes, of course. There’s no one else for me but you. You’re my world,” he replied in an instant.
“You might have to rethink that last part,” I muttered, my heart racing.
“What do you mean?” he asked, looking confused and upset.
“Well, will there be room in your world once the baby gets here?”
“Baby? What baby?” he asked, his eyebrows skyhigh. He jumped from the seat to stand up, looking from my face to my stomach.
“You’re pregnant?” he asked, his voice soft and earnest. I nodded, unable to formulate a proper response.
“I have an appointment tomorrow to see my OBGYN.” Bash fairly crumpled at that, back on his knees in front of me, his hands cradling my stomach as he looked up at me with awe.
“We’re having a baby?” he asked, a huge smile on his face, so big I couldn’t help but laugh.
“You’re not mad?”
“I could never be mad. There’s a little person in there who is made up of me and you, and I can’t wait to meet them. I’m a little upset you didn’t tell me when you first found out, though,” he said, keeping me wrapped in his arms, as if afraid I would disappear if he let go.
“At first, I thought I needed to be sure before I told you. But that didn’t feel right. I needed to tell you, and knew I wanted you by my side at the doctor’s appointment.”
