When I feel her getting close, I set her down flat on her back and increase my speed, rutting in and out of her at a more frenetic pace. Stevie grabs my ass, pulling me in closer and deeper as she whimpers and writhes and meets me thrust for thrust.
We shatter into blissful bursts of energy at the same time, moaning against swollen lips as my hips jerk, and I shoot my load deep inside her.
I didn’t ask if she’s on birth control, but I don’t care if she’s not. While I’m in no rush to see her belly swollen with my baby—I only just got her back, and I need time alone with her—I wouldn’t be unhappy if we just made a new life.
When we’re done, I get up and grab a wet washcloth from the bathroom and return to clean her up. Then we slip under the covers, facing one another with our arms wrapped around each other in an intimate embrace. I stare at her pretty flushed face, her stunning green eyes, and lips that are puffy from my kisses, and my heart is so full it might push through my chest.
“Marry me,” I say.
“Yes,” she replies instantly without hesitation.
Our lips meet in a deep intense kiss, and I hold her to me, so happy I could burst.
“Today,” I rasp when we finally come up for air.
She giggles. “That might be a little difficult to arrange. Mom would kill me if I got married without her, and let’s not even mention Hadley.”
I peck her lips. “I’ve spent too long without you, and I can’t wait to make you my wife.” I sit us up and reach into the drawer of my bedside table for the small black box.
Her eyes pop wide as I turn back around to her.
“This wasn’t exactly a very romantic proposal,” I say.
“I just need you.” She leans in and kisses me sweetly. When she pulls back, she’s grinning widely. “And I don’t know what you’re talking about. You wrote me anovel, Beck. The most beautiful, heartwarming, romantic love letter. No proposal could ever beat that.”
“I’m glad you liked it,” I say, popping the lid on the box.
Stevie gasps when she spots the emerald and diamond engagement ring nestled inside. I had purposely left mention of the ring out of the book because a guy has to keep some secrets.
“How did you? Where did you…”
I chuckle as I watch her struggle to form words. “I bought this a couple of months before we broke up. I saw it in a store window, and it reminded me of your eyes.”
“Oh, Beck.” Her lip wobbles and her hand trembles as I slide the ring onto her finger. It’s a perfect fit. “It’s beautiful. I love it,” she adds, holding it out in front of her and admiring how it glistens on her hand.
“Just like you.” I can’t describe the pride I feel seeing my ring on her finger.
“I’m so happy, Beck.” She crawls into my lap. “You make me so incredibly happy, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Epilogue One
Stevie
“Knock, knock.” The door creeps open, and a familiar face pops into view. “Could we talk for a minute?” Sarah asks, hovering uncertainly in the doorway.
“I’ll give you some privacy,” Mom says, inspecting my hair before she stands. “I’ll work on your makeup when I return.”
I kiss her cheek. “Thanks, Mom.”
Mom gives Sarah’s arm a reassuring squeeze as she passes by. The door snicks shut with a loud click.
I’m getting ready in the main farmhouse while Beck is getting dressed with Law, his best man, at our cottage. We ignored tradition last night and spent it together. We made our own vows a month ago, when we reunited, and they’re as real to us as the vows we’re about to make in a marquee inGrand-mère’sgorgeous back garden in front of our families and a small handful of friends. Beck has been helping Margot maintain the grounds and run the farm now hisgrand-pèreis no longer with us.
Alain died of colon cancer six months ago. I’m sad I wasn’t here for Margot and Beck, but I’m here now, and I’ll be by my soon-to-be husband’s side every day until I draw my last breath. Beck will never go through anything alone ever again.
“I owe you a huge apology.” Sarah looks awkward as hell.
If I was a meaner person, I’d make her sweat for a while, but I’m letting bygones be bygones and only looking forward from now on. “I have already forgiven you,” I say, folding my white silk robe around my body as I turn on my chair to face her. I pat the chair beside me that Mom just vacated. “Have a seat.”
