“It’ll be real,” he insists. “It’s always real between us.”
“So you’ll marry me?” I whisper, voice shaking.
His smile is radiant as he wraps me in his arms and squeezes until I can barely breathe.
“Of course I’ll marry you. I would’ve married you on our first date. But now? Gods, Bash, I never thought I could love someone like this.”
He pulls back with that mischievous smirk I adore. “Let’s do it right now.”
“What?” My eyes flick to his, finding only joy.
“Right here. In this bed.”
“We’re naked, Xen,” I scold.
He laughs in that carefree sound that still gives me butterflies.“Even better. Less in the way when we consummate it.”
I bark a laugh and shove his shoulder as he wiggles his eyebrows, and we dissolve into giddy laughter.
“You’re sure?” I ask once we calm.
“I’m positive.”
I glance around at the dim bedroom. “How do we do it?”
“Just say whatever’s in your heart,” he says with a sweet smile.
“Okay,” I breathe with a nod, steadying myself. “I can do that.”
“I know you can,” he whispers, tipping his forehead to mine.
We hold each other’s gaze until my pulse slows, and then I find the words come easily.
“I promise to love you until my very last breath. No matter where we are or what we’re doing, you’ll be my first thought when I wake and the last before I sleep. One lifetime will never be enough, but I swear I’ll make every moment count.”
A tear slips down his cheek, and as I brush it away, he nuzzles into my palm.
“Your turn,” I whisper.
He laughs, halfway to a sob, then draws a deep breath.
“Ever since you walked into my life, I wanted to know you. And once I knew you, I wanted to be with you always. Some days I’m convinced I’ll wake up back in time, still trailing after you like a lost puppy, waiting for you to notice me.”
“I always noticed you, Xen,” I murmur.
His smile turns heartbreakingly tender. “You are my forever, Sebastian. The great love of my life. If you ever doubt it, remember us right now in this moment. Remember that I would go to any lengths to protect you, and nothing could ever change that.”
“I love you,” I whisper, leaning in for a kiss.
He sniffles and laughs, placing a hand on my chest to stop my advance.
“Pretty sure there’s another step first.”
We glance down at the ring, and my hands are steady now as I slide it onto his finger.
Our eyes meet again, and I am whole.
“You won’t be able to wear it in public,” I say softly.
