Chapter 49
As I slide out the door from the pool hall, I see Grant sitting on the couch, waiting for me. My throat tightens, fighting each swallow I make. Already I spot the tense lines on his face and I think this is going to be harder on him than on me. A nervous pulse causes my chest to tighten as I step into the living room and his gaze swings to me.
“Well?” he asks.
“They had trouble finding plane tickets, so they’ll be here the day after tomorrow.” Stiffly, I take the seat next to him. “Harold will pick them up and bring them here.”
“I see,” he grunts, and I know he loathes the idea, but after talking to him, he’s letting me do this so I can close the final chapter on Mom and Pat for good. “Thank you, darling.” Grabbing his hand, I squeeze it. “I know you’re not thrilled about me reaching out to them, but I appreciate it.”
“Just as long as you have closure,” he murmurs, before adding, “and so long as you’re not expecting me to forgive them. I told you from the start they’d find no forgiveness with me, my love.”
“I’m not sure if I’ll forgive them either, Grant. Me meeting with them isn’t a sign of forgiveness. It simply means I want no loose ends from here on out.” His frame relaxes a touch with the words, and I lean my head against his shoulder. “And you don’t have to be here. If it’s too much, you’re free to leave.”
“Nonsense,” he cuts out. “Don’t even say that. I’ll be here with you. Always, Olivia. I’ll always be with you every step of the way.”
How did I get so lucky? Just the thought makes me want to kiss him, until Grant takes a rattled breath and I notice he’s ten times more tense than before.
“Olivia…”
I look up to see unsure eyes scanning the room as he sits upright. His chin tilts down, and he visibly strains for another inhale. Something has him tense, and it's safe to say I've never seen him like this until now. I smooth my hand down his arm and tilt my head. “Grant?”
He squeezes his eyes shut and shakes his head. “Shit, I’m awful at this. Always have been, so bear with me.”
I nod, my heart pulsing, and my throat is dry, as I have no clue what to expect.
His throat bobs with a swallow. Then he gets off the couch.
My eyes blink in confusion, but a jolt hits my body as he positions himself on one knee in front of me and pulls out a teal ring box. “Oh my—”
“Marry me.” Azure eyes peek up at me through a heavy gaze and dense lashes. The box opens, revealing a massive cushion cut solitaire diamond, sparkling as it catches sun rays, and I gasp.
“Grant.” My vision blurs. Only for him. I only cry for him.
“I had planned to say more, but…” He shakes his head. “None of it is good enough. Not when I know your past, and not when looking at you, so I'll keep it simple. Marry me. Rule the world with me. Be the queen to my king, and help me give every motherfucking pawn that’s not worth any time something to fear.”
That…” I sigh in elation. “Sounds. Amazing. Yes. That’s all I have to say, Grant. Yes.”
A hushed laugh hits the air while he partially stands to embrace me. His distinct scent clings heavy to the air as he plants one chaste peck on my cheek. We hold each other. United in this life, breathing and exhaling at the same tempo.
“Dammit…” he says, squeezing me. “Jesus, how much I love you.”
“I love you too, baby.”
He pulls away. We look at the box, then smile at each other.
With a careful touch, he takes the ring out of the slot and holds it my way. “Put it on, huh?”
I do. As he slides it over the knuckle, I giggle at the ungodly weight. The thing is huge. I can’t help but smirk. “I’ll never be able to type for you again while wearing this. I won’t even be able to lift my hand.”
He tilts his head back and laughs, the sound rich and throaty, and my heart thumps madly.
God, how I want to be his. I already am, but I want to be his in name and body. I look at him, then the ring again, and pinch my lips together.
“Olivia.” The gentle way he utters my name tells me he caught on to something. He soothes a strand of hair away from my face, then runs the pad of his thumb over my cheek. “Do you not like the ring? I can get you a new one. Whatever—”
“Oh, no.” I place a hand over his. “I love it. I only wish…” Asking him to marry me before my parents get here seems so selfish. After all, what if he wants a traditional wedding? He lost his chance for that after losing April.
“What do you wish?” A deep gaze pierces right through my heart. “Anything for you, my sweet. What's your desire?”
My shoulders hunch. “I-I want to be yours as quickly as possible.”
His mouth parts, and his eyes widen.
“But what you want is important too. If you want a real wedding, with—” I stop when he chuckles.
“Olivia, have I ever told you that I fucking hate weddings?” Softness rounds out his features with his smile. “Call Kitty or Roxie. I'll call Alan. We'll get married this afternoon.”
The thought of being Grant's in mere hours is the sweetest thing I've heard yet. I scrunch my nose up and nod, thinking my heart is going to burst as it swells. “Okay.”