He’d gone along with it because he was Jaxson Monroe, and he’d do anything for those he loved.
“Well?” Jaxson smiled. He stared down at me, waiting for my answer.
“I didn’t hear you propose,” I countered.
Two could play at that game.
“I’m not going to.”
The smile fell from my face.
Wow. He went there.
I tried to slip from his embrace, but he wouldn’t let me.
Tears threatened my vision. The room felt hot, stuffy. “Let me up,” I gasped. I needed to move, get out of bed, run to the bathroom.
And do what?
Cry?
Hide?
I felt like a fool.
“Ariella, look at me.”
My bottom lip trembled, and he guided my chin to meet his stare.
“I’m not going to propose to you until I know you’ll say yes.”
“What?” Had I heard him correctly?
I blinked back the tears. Now I felt like a mess. An even bigger one that I had moments earlier when I thought he said he’d never want to marry me.
“I want it to be a big fancy ordeal, and I’m not going to have you blow my ego and say no.” Jaxson grinned as he stared down at me.
I wiped the single tear that had fallen down my face.
I was a mess. A pregnant, hormonal mess. Which was Jaxson’s fault. But even so, he’d been sweet and kind, and I’d jumped to conclusions.
“I’ll marry you on one condition,” I said, staring up at him through glistening eyes.
He stared and waited for me to continue.
“You make amends with Skylar.”
Jaxson whined like a child as he straddled my hips. “Aww, come on. After what she did to you and Izzie? How am I supposed to forgive her?”
“She’s trying. Maybe baby steps,” I said. “She’s your family, and I know she was selfish and put all of our lives at stake, but I’ve come to forgive her.”
“Really? You don’t hate her in the slightest bit?” Jaxson asked.
I wasn’t going to lie to him. “Oh, I’m still mad at her, but I’m working through my anger. You’ve forgiven Jayden. It’s time for you to make amends with Skylar.”
He exhaled loudly through his nose. “I don’t know, Freckles. You’re asking an awfully lot of me.”
I laughed at the absurdity of the situation. “And marrying you will be a picnic?” I grinned up at him.