We walk in silence for around ten minutes, until we get to a wooden bench that is positioned right at the edge of a small pond, just opposite a Church.
"I'm sorry, baby, I didn't think about how hard that was going to be for you," I tell her.
She turns to look at me, grabbing both of my hands in hers. "God, Max, no. I love how close you guys are, I love how happy you are cooking together. I just missed it. It's been so long since I did that, I forgot we used to do it. I wish that Mason could have experienced that kind of fun and happiness, but he barely even remembers anything about our parents." She takes in a large breath. "I hate that his memories of our parents are fading and the only ones that stick out to him are of our aunt and uncle hurting us."
"Let’s make new ones," I say.
"I wish it was that easy," she responds sadly.
"Itisthat easy." I swallow the dry lump in my throat. "We can make it that easy. I know your parents aren't here, and I know that life has been pretty shit and there are things to figure out, things to fix, but we'll do that. There is nothing stopping us from making memories while we work on everything else."
I blow out a breath. "We're going to be here for a couple of days, so let’s make memories with my family. We can all cook together. I know it's not the same thing as having your family here, but..." I stop talking. Am I going to do this here? Now? What if she doesn't want this? What if Blades was right and this is too soon? As my eyes flick back and forth between her beautiful deep honey-coloured ones, I figure I have nothing to lose. I'm never going to know if I don't ask, and she's never going to know how I feel if I don't tell her.
"Max?" she questions, and I stand. I need a second. Walking toward the edge of the pond, I take in a few deep breaths. Fuck it. I turn and walk back over to her. Dropping to my knees in front of her, I place both of my hands on her knees.
"I know we've only known each other a few weeks, and we met in some pretty extreme circumstances, but I think we've become really close. Don't you?" I ask, wondering what she thinks. Needing to know what she thinks before I bare all.
"I do," she says breathlessly.
"You have quickly become a big part of my life. I spend my time wondering where you are and what you are doing when I'm not with you. I constantly wonder if you're okay, if you're thinking of me."
"Huh, that’s funny, because I found myself wondering the same. When you're not there, I find myself looking for you."
"Wait, you do?" I ask, surprised.
She nods. "Yes. And I know that’s crazy, but I really like you, Max."
I lean forward, kissing her to stop her from talking. I love that she feels that way, and I'm relieved to know she seems to like me as much as I like her.
I break the kiss and pull back just a little, my face millimetres from hers. "Hear me out, okay?" I whisper, and she nods.
"I might be moving a bit fast, and if I am, then please just be honest with me, but don't write me off, don't write us off. I know what I want, I know how I feel about you." I lick my dry lips and try to swallow, but my throat is so dry.
"I'm claiming you, Dragonfly."
She blinks at me a couple of times, and then her brows furrow. "You're claiming me? I'm not sure I fully understand. I mean, I think I do, but I'm not completely sure."
"You're mine. I'm claiming you as my woman. When a brother claims an ol' lady, it’s as good as getting married. I know it's soon, baby, I know how crazy I sound, but fuck, I love you, and I want to be with you for the rest of my life. Tell me you're okay with that?" My heart races, waiting for her to respond.
I see the smile creep over her face. "I'm okay with it. I really am," she says, crashing her lips to mine for a punishing kiss.
"Fuck, Dragonfly, you're beautiful."
Chapter Sixty-Two
Dinner is almost ready by the time we get back to the house. As we walk into the kitchen, I see Mason sitting at the table with Rock, Georgia, Tongue, and Prospect. I don’t know where Arthur’s guys are. I didn't see them outside and they aren't in here.
"You're back. Did you enjoy your walk?" Georgia asks us with a wink.
I giggle at her, but Max grips my hand and walks us to the table. "Actually, we did." His eyes lock with his dad, who grins and gives him a nod. I go to take a seat next to Mason, but Max gently pushes me back toward the seat I had been in earlier. As I sit down, I catch Tongue and Prospect watching me, both trying to hide smiles.
Shit, do they think we were out there having sex? I feel my face flush at the thought. I'm embarrassed, even though that is not what we were doing. I would hate to think his dad thinks we were doing that. Oh, wait, was that what the look was?
"You're in your head again, baby. What is it?" Max whispers in my ear. I glance at him and shake my head, just as his dad places two trays of freshly cooked lasagne on the table in front of us. As he walks back over to the bench, I move to get up and help him.
"Don't you dare, sweetheart. You relax. Son, get your arse up and grab some of this food for the table while I take out food for the guys." Rock grabs two large plates of already dished up lasagne and heads out to the front of the house.
Max gets up and grabs the plates of food. There is way too much for who is here. There is salad and garlic bread to go with the lasagne, and while I love it, I feel like most of it will be wasted.
