We turned our attention back to the ice, and I frowned because Paxton was no longer there.
“Stand up,” Paloma suggested.
Naomi, Keelie, Ida Jane, and Millie were all clutching hands. I swallowed as I rose on unsteady legs. Paxton was just inside the boards, on his knee, which is why I hadn’t seen him.
On his knee…
A small box nestled in his large hand. He wasn’t… My fingertips went to my lips.
“Hana, I love you,” Paxton said, his voice strong.
I squeaked.
“I’ve always loved, and I always will love you,” he continued.
He was.
“I want you to be in my life, as my wife, always.” His throat worked as he swallowed the emotion that poured from his beautiful eyes.
“We paid for me doubting us before—you so much more than me, and I hate that with every fiber of my being, which is why I want you to know I won’t ever,everdoubt us again.”
I couldn’t speak. Too many scenarios flashed through my mind as I struggled to breathe through the shock.
Pax shifted, and I realized he must be cold, his knee achy from the hard ice. That broke me from my trance, and I shot forward, scrambling through the door so I could throw myself into his arms.
“I know it’s soon,” he said into my hair. “I’m not going to push you right now?—”
“Push. Pushhard,” I said. I wrapped my arms tighter around his neck, practically strangling him as I used my good leg to push off the ice and wrap my thighs around his hips.
He chuckled. “No way. I’m not going to push you ever. But I will tell you that I want to marry you right now. Tomorrow. The next day—next week, next month—whenever you’re ready.”
“Oh…oh! How did you… We were just—I can’t believe…”
He slid one hand to cradle the back of my head while the other settled under my butt. “Breathe, baby.”
I leaned back as I blinked up at him. Mere months ago, I’d been tracing raindrops down a window, wishing I could disappear. But now, I held my love, my lover, the other half of my soul between my arms and legs.
“We were just grappling with the fact that we might be related!” I exclaimed.
Paxton smiled. “There is not and never will be anything relational about the way I love you, Hana.” He nipped my lower lip. Electricity blossomed hot and fast between us. “What’s the biologic effect about genetic sexual attraction?”
“The Westermarck Effect. But you never saw me with your mother as an infant, so it wouldn’t apply.”
“I love it when you talk science. Makes me hot.” He kissed me. “Now, I have to point out that from the time you moved in down the street, you were in our house enough that I saw you with my mothereveryday, Hana. Enough that I would have definitely felt brotherly toward you. I never did because you’re mine. My soul mate. My love. My joy.”
He winked, and I appreciated that he didn’t lay his happiness at my feet. I couldn’t make him happy, not indefinitely, but together, we could build something that grew happiness for both of us.
I laughed. “We weren’t raised as siblings, but I see your point. Though mainly I think you’re just bullheaded and refused to believe it was possible.” I closed my eyes as the fear and anxiety of waiting for the test results washed over me again. “Thank you for having faith in us, Pax. I needed that confidence boost.” I snuggled into his warm embrace. I was home. Finally.
“I’m here for you, however you need me.”
“Well…” I bit my lip, enjoying how his pupils blew wide. “I’m going to need you to show me how much you love me. I mean, if you only love me a little bit then we should probably wait to get married…”
Baiting Pax was fun. Everything about this life we were building together brought me joy. He stared at me, a stern expression crossing his face. “As soon as we get home, Hana Sato, I’m going to worship every inch of you.”
I sucked in a breath. “Promise?” I whispered.
He hugged me tighter, as if he couldn’t bear not to be touching me. I reveled in this connection. How I’d missed it. I’d never take it for granted, I knew. Neither would Paxton.
