“Yes, I love you that much.” Cam’s warm hand rubs my bare back. “You challenge me in all the good ways, and you make me think about things I never realized were important. You’re brilliant, and gorgeous, and the kindest person I’ve ever known. I admire the hell out of you. From the moment I met you, you’ve calmed this place inside of me that could never be at peace. I was always running until I locked eyes with you.”
Tears fill my eyes. “I love you, Cam. I love the kind of man you are and the strength and joy you bring to my life.”
“I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Savannah. That I can promise you.” Cam’s eyes fill with an emotion I’ve never seen before. “I almost asked you to marry me in Denver. But I was worried I was rushing things. The truth is, I dated someone for years, and all I ever wanted to do was run when I thought about the future. With you, the only thing I think about is—‘how soon can I make her mine?’ Because I’m already yours, Savannah. I want you. I need you. In fact…”
He reaches for his pants and pulls something small from the pocket. He places it on my chest.
“What is it?” I say as I look at the jewelry box.
Suddenly, a very naked Cam is next to me on one knee. He opens the box, revealing the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen. It’s old-fashioned with an ornate band and a simple Princess cut diamond.
“It’s a symbol,” Cam says, emotion clogging his words. He clears his throat. “Of how much I love you and will always love you. Savannah Virginia, will you marry me?”
My arms are around him so fast he falls backward. And then we’re all tangled up in the quilt, still naked but this time with a precious ring lying between us.
Cam pulls it out of the box and slides it onto my finger.
“Savannah Wild,” I say. “I can’t wait.”
“Neither can I.”
Epilogue
Savannah
“With this ring, I thee wed.”
I smile up at Cam on the chapel altar as he slips a simple white gold band onto my ring finger. “I love you, Savannah.” His voice chokes up. “Forever.”
His tuxedo and my fancy white dress don’t quite match the rustic ambience of the little Climax chapel, but we wanted to wear something special, something we normally never wear, to commemorate our marriage. All his cousins and Jenson are in tuxes, and my sisters are wearing pretty dresses they bought for today.
“With this ring, I thee wed.” I put a matching ring onto Cam’s finger, and then I whisper to him, “Thank you for showing me what real love is.”
Cam’s dark eyes don’t leave mine as he answers me. “You did the same for me. You do every day.”
Our private little bubble is broken when Jenson’s twin sons shout, “Congratulations, Uncle Cam,” and the whole chapel laughs. Colton and Brayden start cheering, and Celie lets out a loud whistle.
Molly shushes Celie. Nadine laughs, and Mama cries.
“I’d like to introduce you to Cameron and Savannah Wild,” the minister says with a smile. “You may now kiss the bride.”
Cam’s already picked me up and swung me around. His beautiful white teeth flash in a mischievous grin, and when his lips find mine, I forget about the audience. All I feel is him. All I taste is him. And all I want—forever—is him.
“Savannah Wild,” I say quietly when he puts me down.
“You like it?” he asks me.
“I love it,” I say, my face breaking into a wide smile.
“Me too.” His dimples flash. “It means we’re a team. We’ll always have each other’s backs.”
“Nothing makes me happier.” I lace my fingers through his as we step off the altar.
Mama grabs me in a hug, and before I can move, all three of my sisters have me in a group embrace. I eventually pull away with a laugh, and we continue down the aisle.
I spent some time before the wedding debating what to do about my father. In the end, out of respect to Mama, I decided not to extend an invitation to him, Flora, and Tara. Instead, I suggested we all get together sometime after Cam and I move.
And as it turns out, Flora went into labor yesterday. My brother, Benjamin, was born healthy and screaming. In the end, I think everything worked out the way it was supposed to.
