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“I can’t picture my life without you in it. Without that smart mouth. Or your crazy family. Or even the way you hog the covers.”

She chokes out a laugh, but her voice is shaky.

I shove my right hand into the inside pocket of my jacket.

I drop to one knee, letting the gravel bite through my jeans. The light is perfect. The city throws shadows across the grass, and the Space Needle glows like a trophy I couldn’t give a shit about, because Rory is right here.

When I pop the ring box open, the diamond inside is so clear and bright it throws a scatter of light onto her face. It’s not huge, but it’s classy and beautiful, just like her.

I look straight up into her bright blue eyes and blurt out the words I’ve been practicing in my mind for the last several days. “Will you marry me, Rory Fox?”

She just stands there, both hands clapped over her mouth, eyes filling in real time. First one tear, then a second. Her shoulders shake, but she doesn’t make a sound. For a minute, I start to worry.

Then she reaches down, real slow, and runs her finger across my cheek.

She drops her hands, starts nodding like she can’t stop, and finally manages, “Yes. Oh my God, yes.”

My lungs finally unclench. I can’t remember the last time I felt this fucking alive.

I take her left hand and slide the ring onto her finger. I stand and pull her into my arms.

She’s shaking, but she’s laughing, too. One of those laughs that turns into a choked sob. I smooth her hair, kiss the top of her head.

Her face stays pressed against my chest, but her left hand crawls up, bunching in the front of my jacket. Her fingers dig in, showing off the ring to the empty night.

My girl is trembling so hard I’m scared she’s going to shatter in my arms. I press my mouth to the top of her head, breathing her in, but it’s not enough. I need more. I want her wild and laughing. I want her whole fucking heart.

So, I tip her chin up and cover her mouth with mine.

She tastes of tears and peppermint Chapstick. Sweet and sharp. The kiss hits like a sledgehammer. Her lips part, and I slide my tongue inside, claiming her, showing her exactly what forever means. Every sound she makes goes straight to my cock. Fuck me, I might combust on this hilltop.

Her hands fist in my shirt, yanking me closer, like she’s afraid I’ll vanish if she lets go. Not a chance in hell that’s happening. I suck her bottom lip, biting just hard enough to make her gasp.

“I love you,” I whisper against her mouth, my voice all gravel.

“I love you, too.” She smiles up at me as I lock my arms around her. She melts against me, soft and perfect, and when she finally pulls back, her eyes are shining.

We just stand there, the two of us braced against the overlook wall, the city burning below.

I never thought I’d find this kind of peace. But it’s right here with Rory, the love of my life.

My hands keep finding her. Hair, cheek, waist. I’m starving, but it’s not desperation anymore. It’s just the crazy need to keep her close, to make her safe, and to never let the world creep in.

She whispers something about the ring. I smirk, brushing my thumb over her knuckles. “You like it?”

She looks up at me, eyes shining. “It’s perfect. Feels like I’m dreaming.”

“Nah. This is real, tiger.” I lean in and rest my chin on her mess of hair. “There’s nothing more real than this.”

It hits me, standing here with her, that I’m done running. Done second-guessing myself. My whole life has been chasing the next win, the next season, the next big thing.

Now? It’s simple. I work hard, come home to a woman who gives as good as she gets, and fall asleep knowing she’s in my bed and calling me hers. No drama. No bullshit.

Just love, loyalty, and maybe a little Italian family craziness on the side.

Fuck. I’m one lucky bastard.

EPILOGUE: RORY