“It’s always amazing, Bella.” He lays us back and pulls me across him. As soon as he slides out, I miss his warmth.
We lay several minutes, breathing heavily. Until realization of what just happened hits me.
“Max, we got engaged,” I say softly.
“Yes, and we’re getting married tomorrow.”
The shine in his eyes is undeniable, in this moment, I want to agree, but logic rears its head.
“We can’t get married tomorrow. Our families need to be with us. And I want a real wedding.”
“Our families will be with us. I’ve arranged it all. And you’ll get the big wedding. The Justice of the Peace is coming to my mom’s house tomorrow and we’ll have a small reception, then Jenny, Laci, Amy, and you can plan the most elaborate wedding this town has ever seen.”
“You planned it like this didn’t you?”
“What?” he smirks giving away his answer.
“You never really asked me. Similar to never asking me to have a drink with you when we first met. Similar to inviting yourself to my house for taco night. You still haven’t learned to ask anything.” I smile.
“I’ll ask now, will you give yourself to me for the rest of your life? Will you stand by my side as my equal, my lover, the one who keeps me sane? Will you give me children with topaz eyes and strength and courage?”
“I already said yes.”
“Then I’d say I’ve learned to ask.”
He hardens in me again and grinds against my hips.
“I’m still not letting you hire my new employee. I put my foot down there.”
“Babe, he’ll be at the wedding tomorrow. You’ll love him. You already do.” His face searches mine, waiting for me to catch on.
“No,” I barely whisper, understanding his words. “Pedro?”
“Yeah, babe. He’s coming here to finish high school and go to college. I’ve worked through my channels and got him, his grandma, and brother moving to Atlanta. They’ll need a place to live so Laci suggested your house.”
“Are you real? Am I goi
ng to wake up and find this is all a dream?”
“I ask myself the same thing daily.”
The ring flashes and catches my attention. The largest emerald cut diamond solitaire that I’ve ever seen is nestled on my finger. “This is unreal. When did you get this?”
“The first day you came here and I begged your forgiveness.”
“That was months ago.”
“Yeah, but one look from you when you understood my life, I knew. You were it. I asked your dad weeks ago at the cabin. Then I told Marshall and Laci when you were rescued.”
“Why tomorrow, Max? Can’t we wait a bit until I have time to prepare?”
“You don’t have to do anything, it’s all taken care of.”
“You’re not answering me. Why tomorrow?”
He sighs and lays his cheeks to my neck. “I can’t wait. There’s a primal urge in me to claim you, make you mine, tell the world we are married.”
“A bit much don’t you think?”