“I hate to ask, but…” She lingers on her words for a beat until our eyes connect. “You didn’t happen to ask my father, did you? I know it’s kinda lame in this age, but my family is—”
“Traditional, I know,” I interject. “And yes, of course I did. I’m sure your mother’s pacing the living room waiting for your call.”
Maize bursts out laughing and grabs her phone. “You’re probably right. Let’s quickly FaceTime them so we can dive into that cake!”
Seeing Maize this happy is all I’ve ever wanted, and I’m not sure I could ever come down from this high. I knew it was risky to propose only months into us dating, but I’ve loved her much longer than that. I don’t want to waste any more time. When I spoke with her parents, they were shockingly supportive. Mila cried and John gave me a bear hug, which was hilarious considering I tower over him. But I’m damn glad I’ll be a part of the Bishop family now, even more so that Maize will be my wife.
“Alright, you crazy kids, you have a great rest of your night,” Mila says with a knowing grin.
John takes the phone and looks directly at me. “Remember what we talked about, son?”
“Of course, sir.”
He nods. “Good. Go have fun celebrating now. I have Sandra and Jane lined up in the kitchen tomorrow.”
“Thank you. I love you guys,” Maize tells them before hanging up. “Wow, we get to sleep in tomorrow? When’s the last time that’s ever happened?” she teases.
“Oh, don’t be getting any ideas, future Mrs. Fox…” I pull her into my arms. “There’ll be minimal sleeping happening tonight.”
“Hmm…Mrs. Fox,” she tries it out. “Or you could take my last name and be Gavin Bishop.” She quirks a brow. “Or we could hyphenate?”
“Not to sound biblical, but my wife is taking my name. If you wanna hyphenate, that’s fine, but Maize Fox sounds sexy.” I squeeze her harder.
“Okay, Mr. Arrogant.” She rolls her eyes but laughs. “Bishop-Fox would be a mouthful.”
“It would. Plus…” I lower my lips to her ear. “I can think of other things to fill that mouth of yours.”
As soon as the words leave my mouth, Maize’s lips crash against mine. “Naked now, cake later.”
“Fuck yes,” I growl, scooping her into my arms and carrying her to my room.
“In my bed, tangled in my sheets, naked underneath me…” I whisper against her mouth.
“Forever,” she says in return.
We rush to strip off our clothes and jump under the covers. My cock is so hard, but I need to taste her first. I slide between her thighs as they wrap around my shoulders, giving me full access to her sweet pussy. She fists her fingers in my hair, which I love, and I suck her throbbing clit between my lips.
“Yes, right there,” she hums, tilting up her hips.
The best part about being in love with someone is how much better the sex is. When those feelings started to surface with Maize, I knew what we shared was special. I didn’t want to acknowledge the void I felt before I retired, but it started to fill again when Maize entered my life. She’s the woman I’m meant to be with.
I make love to my fiancée all night long. From the bed to the shower to the kitchen, and when we finally make it back to bed again, we pass out in each other’s arms. Everything’s perfect, and if someone had told me a year ago that I would be engaged to Maize, I wouldn’t have believed it.
Goes to show what can happen when you don’t give up and keep fighting for the one you love. It’s even sweeter when the feelings are mutual, and her stubborn ass finally admits she wants to wrangle you in.
But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Epilogue
GAVIN
ONE YEAR LATER
“Did you turn on the heat?” Maize calls from the kitchen as I take care of our laundry in the living room.
“No,” I answer with a chuckle.
I’m folding clothes while watching the football game, but Maize’s hot flashes have me cracking up, especially in the middle of November.
“God. Why’s it so hot in here?” She comes into view, and I nearly burst out laughing when I see she’s taken off her pants and shirt.
Meanwhile, I’m in joggers and a sweatshirt since she’s turned on the air conditioner.
“I think it’s you, sweetheart,” I tease, standing to meet her. My palm automatically lands on her belly, and I’m overcome with pride. “You’re not only eating for three, but your hormones are raging.” I smile, thinking about the two babies inside her that I can’t wait to meet.
She pouts with a groan, and I pluck her bottom lip from between her teeth. “I’ll turn down the thermostat, baby. Go sit, and I’ll grab the fan, too.”