Atlas’ eyes darken, and I realize how I probably sound when Seth laughs. “Man, you good there, Cora? Should we leave you and the dumpling alone?”
Laughing, I pull the bowl closer. “Don’t even think about touching it.” I point my fork at him.
He sticks around a bit longer but reminds us to be at Emma’s at seven sharp as he leaves.
Glancing at the clock, I see it’s almost four. I’m so tired already. “Do I have time for a nap?”
“Of course you do, baby. Daniel picked up Noah a bit ago. He wanted to grab some cocoa with him. We have plenty of time.”
Squealing as he lifts me in the air, I smile at him as he bypasses the living room and heads for the stairs. God, he makes me so happy.
“There’s my Firefly, lighting my whole world up.” He dips his head to capture my lips. Tilting my face, I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him closer. Carefully, he walks us up the stairs, cradling me and protecting my head.
When we get to our bedroom, Atlas pulls back the comforter andlays me down. He was right about the bed being bigger and softer than my old one.
“Lie down with me?” I ask as he turns.
“I was planning to, baby, just closing our door in case.” He winks.
“In case of what?”
“In case I decide to have my way with you.” He walks back toward me, pulling his shirt over his head, then pushes his sweats down his legs.
Stepping out of them, he moves back toward the bed. “These have got to go, pretty girl.” He tugs on my sweats. “This too.” He pulls my shirt gently over my head. The cast makes it a bit awkward, but he never complains.
I didn’t bother with a bra today for my appointment. It wasn’t like anyone could tell anything with the sweatshirt I borrowed from Atlas.
I lift my hips and stifle the yawn trying to escape. I know my body is tired and wants rest, but my brain is more interested in the tattooed man in front of me.
Atlas leans down and captures my lips in a hard, branding kiss. I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him down on top of me. We’re skin to skin, but I can’t get close enough. He pulls back and pushes a stray piece of my hair to the side.
“Cora.” He whispers my name, his dark eyes focused on mine. “You know I love you, right, baby?”
“Of course I do. You know I love you too, Atlas, right?”
He smiles, and warmth spreads through my chest. Even though he talks about us having babies with my eyes, I need them to have his smile. His lips curve up, and a little dimple pops out. Our babies will be so happy; they’ll smile like he does.
“And that I’d do anything for you.” His hand moves down my neck, trailing a path to my throat. He gently applies a bit of pressure there. “That I’ll slay any monsters who try to hurt you or Noah.”
Tilting my head back, I silently ask for his kiss. Atlas doesn’t leave me waiting, pressing his lips back to mine. His tongue pushes past mylips, and I bask in the love I feel. Tangling my tongue with his, I get lost in the moment, raking my fingers through his hair, trying to hold him in place.
I can feel heat spreading to my stomach, and I push my hips up into his. “Baby.” He groans, feeling me grind against him. Pulling back, he tenderly strokes my cheek with his thumb.
“Marry me.”
My brain and body freeze.Did he just say what I think he said?His dark eyes are watching for my reaction, and I blank.
“It’s not a question, because there isn’t a yes or no answer. It’s more a polite demand.” He sits back, reaching over to his nightstand, grabbing a small box. Opening it, he takes out a thin white gold band and slides it onto my finger.
“Cora, I never knew it was possible to love someone the way that I love you. It’s all-consuming, and I’ll never feel this way about anyone else. You are my light, the other half of my soul, and my heart. Be my wife, baby, be my Firefly, and one day, be the mother of my babies, and let me love them with you.”
He kisses each finger, then presses my hand to his chest. His heart is racing under my palm, and I lean up and grab the back of his neck, crushing my lips to his. Sliding my tongue against his, I tighten my hold in his hair, then move my hands down his shoulders. His body shudders, and he groans into my mouth. I pull back, then grab his hand and place it over my heart.
“Yes. In every way, yes.”
A huge smile splits his face as he stares down at me. “Yes?”
Nodding, a tear slips out. “In every way, Atlas.”
