I'm overwhelmed by the realization that he didn't just want me, he wanted both of us. He built this space for my daughter, planned for her comfort, thought about the details that would make this feel like home for her.
"It's perfect," I manage, tears threatening again. "She's going to love it."
Axel adjusts the blanket over Poppy with a natural gentleness. He switches on the nightlight, casting a soft glow of stars across the ceiling, then turns on the baby monitor.
"I'll be right back," he says, pressing a kiss to my temple. "Just going to grab her water cup in case she wakes up."
I nod, watching as he slips quietly from the room. Alone for a moment, I look down at the ring on my hand, the diamonds catching the starlight from the ceiling. The weight of it feels right, like it belongs there.
I'm done being halfway in, I realize with sudden clarity. Done keeping one foot out the door, always ready to run. Done bracing for disaster.
This is my life now, this man, this home, this family we're building. And for the first time, I'm not afraid of wanting it all.
I hear Axel's footsteps in the hallway. This is it. The moment to stop holding back, to fully embrace what we're building together.
I take one last look at Poppy sleeping peacefully in the crib Axel built for her, my fingers trace the detailed woodwork, the care he put into creating this space for my daughter. Our daughter, now.
I slip out of the nursery and hurry to his bedroom, our bedroom soon, and quickly change into the black lace lingerie I'd hidden in my purse earlier. I hadn't planned on using it tonight, but after his proposal, after seeing the nursery, I know exactly what I want.
I sit on the edge of his bed, my pulse thudding in my ears as I hear him coming up the stairs. The ring catches the light from the bedside lamp, reminding me that this is real. This is happening. We're going to be a family.
The door opens, and Axel freezes mid-step, water cup forgotten in his hand. His eyes widen, then darken as he takes me in.
"Jesus Christ," he whispers, setting the cup down without looking, his gaze never leaving my body.
"Surprise," I say, my voice steadier than I feel.
He moves toward me slowly, like he's afraid I might disappear. "What's this?"
"This is me saying yes," I tell him, rising to my feet. "To everything. The proposal. The ring." I take a deep breath. "Moving in."
His breath catches. "You mean it?"
"I'm done being halfway in, Axel. I want all of it. You, this house, our future. I want it all."
He crosses the room in two strides, his hands cupping my face with reverent intensity. "Say it again."
"I want to move in. Me and Poppy. I want to wake up with you every morning. I want this to be our home."
A sound escapes him, half groan, half sigh, and then his mouth is on mine. The kiss is different from all the ones before, hungrier, deeper, like he's trying to consume me. I match his intensity, my fingers tangling in his hair, pulling him closer.
"Do you have any idea," he says against my lips, "how long I've been waiting to hear that?"
"I'm sorry it took me so long," I whisper.
He pulls back just enough to look at me, his thumbs tracing my cheekbones. "Don't apologize. You needed time. I would have waited forever for you."
The sincerity in his voice makes my chest ache. This man, this strong, patient, loving man, has never pushed me, never rushed me, never made me feel like my fears weren't valid.
"Well, you don't have to wait anymore," I say, reaching for the buttons of his shirt.
He lets me undress him, his eyes never leaving mine as I push the fabric from his shoulders. My hands explore the planes of his chest, the ridges of muscle, the warmth of his skin beneath my palms.
"You're so beautiful," he murmurs, his fingers trailing along the lace at my hips.
I feel beautiful when he looks at me like this, like I'm precious, desired, worthy of worship. The lingerie was a good choice, but the hunger in his eyes tells me he'd look at me the same way no matter what I was wearing.
"I need you," I tell him, my hands moving to his belt. "I need to feel you."
