“I love you, Pat. I have for so long now.”
A weak smile broke out through his tears. “Jules, I love you, too. So much.”
“Is it too late for us to be a family?”
The look on Pat’s face wrecked my heart. He pressed his lips together, and his forehead was etched with relief.
But, unfortunately, the door opened. It was Blake and Gina. Gina rushed to my side and kissed me on the head, talking a million words a minute. I heard none of it. I was watching Pat. He swiped the tears off his face and turned toward Blake, who handed him something.
Blake grabbed his wife’s arm and said, “I think we interrupted. Let’s go get some food.” Gina reluctantly followed him.
As soon as the door shut, Pat scooted his chair closer.
My insecurities were heaping. I rushed off, talking again. “I have so many problems, Pat. If you don’t want me, it’s okay—”
He interrupted; his tone was quiet, but intense and demanding. “Let me tell you something. Are you listening?”
I nodded.
“It isnottoo late for us to be a family. I knew a while back you were the only woman in my future. It was going to be you or no one.”
“When?”
“When did I know?”
“Yes.”
He shook his head, a smile beaming across his face. “Probably the night we almost got in a wreck. You orderedtwodouble cheeseburgersanda large fry.”
It was the first time I had sincerely laughed in weeks.
“Major turn on.”
I slapped him with my good arm. “Oh, ah, stop making me laugh! It hurts too much.”
“Sorry.” His face turned serious again. “It was a hundred little moments that stacked together made me realize we had too much history, too much comradery, and too much love for each other to turn back.”
His eyes teared up again—oh, how I loved his heart. He continued, “Probably sounds corny, but the more time I spent with you, the more I realized I was around the corner from—from home. From finally being home.”
My heart melted.
His hands moved across the blanket, and he leaned closer. His lips swept over mine so briefly. When he drew back, I saw his offering.
A ring.
Rose gold with a large square diamond. Freaking gorgeous.
I couldn’t breathe.
He slipped it on my finger. “Make your home with me, Jules. Marry me.”
It was a perfect fit.Wewere a perfect fit.
I nodded. Tears almost choked out my answer. “Tomorrow?”
He threw his head back and laughed. My favorite sound. I’d missed it so much. “Tomorrow? Probably need you healed up first. Wait—is that a yes?”
“Yes—only yes. Always yes.”
