“So, you like it?”
She spun in a circle. “What’s not to like? Why—?” She stopped herself before finishing her question. “Are you thinking about buying it?”
I moved in close to Laiken, pulling her into my arms. “I am. But I only want to do that if you’ll live here with me.”
Her amber eyes glistened. “Boden, we’ve only known each other for a couple of months.”
I brushed the hair away from her face. “I know everything I need to know about you. This has been trial by fire, and there’s no one I’d rather have by my side. In battle, rest, and for everything in between.”
“Boden…”
“I don’t want to waste a minute of this beautiful life. This second chance we’ve both been given. I want that life with you.”
“Okay.”
A grin split my face. “Okay?”
She nodded, an answering smile stretching her mouth. “I want a life with you more than I ever thought possible.”
“Love you, Laiken.” I wove my fingers through hers. “I promise you today.”
“Today is my favorite day.”
Epilogue
Laiken
THREE MONTHS LATER
“Where are we putting this photo?”Hayes asked, lifting the image of me in the field that had brought Boden into The Gallery.
Boden pointed to the fireplace. “It’s going over the mantel.”
I made a face at him. “Don’t you think that’s a little pompous? Having a picture of myself hanging in such a prominent spot?”
He grinned and looped an arm around my waist, pulling me in close. “I want it where I can see it every single day.”
“You see her every single day, isn’t that enough?” Beckett asked, coming in with a box.
Addie smacked his shoulder. “He’s being romantic.”
He bent to brush her lips with his. “I’ll show you romantic.”
Her cheeks heated, and then her eyes widened. “The baby’s kicking.”
Beckett instantly set down the box and knelt in front of Addie. “How ya doing in there, buddy?” He pressed his hand to her belly, wonder filling his gaze. “He’s strong.”
Addie’s smile wobbled a bit. “He’ll probably be a soccer star.”
My eyes filled with tears. I was so happy for my friends and overly emotional with all the changes taking place. Boden’s arms tightened around me. “Hey, what are the tears for?”
I wiped at my eyes. “Just happy. Sometimes, your cup overflows, and you have to let it out somehow.”
Boden chuckled, nuzzling my neck. “You’re so damn adorable.”
Boden’s dad, James, and his mom, Bette, strode in carrying boxes. James’ gaze swept over my face and then narrowed on his son. “What did you do to make her cry?”
“Seriously? You automatically assume I made her cry?”