I turn, expecting to find Axel on one knee behind me. But he’s not. He’s standing. And he’s right there.
Big hands grip my waist and Axel lifts me, setting my butt down on the beautiful new counter.
He takes the box from my hands. “It’s no secret that I love you.” He steps forward, wedging his hips between my thighs. “But I’m not sure you understand what that means for me.” He grabs my left hand and presses my palm flat against his chest. Over his heart. “It means that I’m a better man when I’m with you. That I’m happier. And I don’t want to waste another minute either.” He reaches his own hand out, pressing it over my heart. “Life is too short to wait another minute to make you mine. In every way possible.” His hand slips away and he pulls the small ring free. “I know we still have things to talk about. Where to live. How many kids to have. But whatever it is, we’ll find our way. Together.”
“Axel.” My chest squeezes so tight it’s hard to breathe.
“You deserve all the love in the world, Maddison.” Axel’s fingers close around mine to steady my hand. “All I have to offer ismylove. But I’ll give you every last bit of it. Every inch of my heart. All the best parts of me.” Then he slides the ring onto my finger. “Tell me you’ll marry me.”
I blink up at him. My entire body illuminates with a whole new kind of happiness. With a whole new kind of peace.
“I’ll marry you.”
Epilogue II
Dean
Sitting on my steps,I wave along with my new neighbor as we watch Mads drive away with Axel.
“Welp,” the new guy, Brian, turns to face me. “My girl and I are gonna go out for drinks tonight. Wanna come?”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to refuse.
I don’t go out all that much, usually working too much and too tired to make time, but perhaps I should.
Truth be told, I had a bit of a crush on Maddie. She’s beautiful, funny, a few years older… basically perfect, so I’m more than a little bummed about her moving out.
I know I’ll still see her when I go into BeanBag, but it was comforting having her so close. Even if I never had a chance with her.
Mads is a good friend, but she didn’t once express an interest in melikethat.
Dusting off my hands, I nod at Brian, because it’s time for me to find somebody that does.