“Callie…” I didn’t plan this part. Food, sex, bringing her home. Yes. A ring to show I’m so incredibly serious about her, despite my stupid resistance at first. A marriage proposal to tell her that I can’t imagine my life without her.
But the words won’t come out past the lump in my throat. Then they do.
“It’s not often that being shot is the best thing that’s ever happened to a person, but it is for me.” Yes, this is right. “Because it led me to you. I love you more than anything in the world, and I’ve never wanted anyone to touch me.”
“I know,” she whispers, reaching out to stroke my cheek, as though checking I’m real.
“I thought I was destined to be alone, forever. I thought I’d be isolated, and just rebuffing the appreciation of my people. And then I met you.” I smile wryly. “A ball of sunshine energy that I couldn’t resist. A person whose touch makes me want to lean in. I love you, and I’ll spend the rest of my life doing anything I can to make you happy, whatever that means. Anything you want.”
“Anything?” A spark lights in her eyes.
“I’m at your feet, Callie.” I’ll beg. I’m not too proud when it comes to my girl.
“And this will make your arm better.” Her lips twitch in a suppressed smile.
“Much better. If you need an altruistic reason, my arm definitely is it.”
She tilts her head thoughtfully. “Or spending all your money on a new hospital?”
“Fine,” I agree. That’s nothing.
“And what would I need to do in return?” she asks playfully. “Just be your wife?”
“Accept orgasms.” I quirk up one eyebrow. “Be loved.”
“Love you in return?”
She’s already said that she loves me, so there’s no reason for my heart to seize up, but it does anyway.
“Preferably.”
“Oh I think that’s essential.” Her smile widens, and my heart leaps as she takes a step towards me. “And what about children? You’ll want some, right? That’s what you seemed to say earlier…”
“Mini versions of you? I’m just a man, Callie. I can’t resist the lure of that level of cuteness.”
She casts her eyes up, pretending to think about it, before meeting my gaze again. “I could manage that.”
“Wear my ring.”
She holds out her left hand. “It’s beautiful. I could definitely wear it.”
“It’s not as beautiful as you.” My voice is an emotional rasp.
“You’re terrible. And I love you so totally, Reid. I’m head over heels about you, so go on.” She waggles her fingers.
I’m grinning, a huge, happy smile that past-me cannot believe as I slip the ring with an outrageously large stone onto her finger.
“Will you marry me?” I hold my breath.
She flicks her eyes down to it then throws herself into my arms, and I catch her. Holding her close, and I think maybe she’s holding me even tighter.
“Yes. Yes.” Her lips find mine and she kisses me like I’m her air, and I feel the same way.
And it’s only much later that I breathe, “My future wife.”
EPILOGUE
REID
