Page 48 of The Lies About Forever

Ameline’s sobs eventually subside into sniffles. She pulls back slightly to look up at me, her eyes rimmed red.

“Thank you,” she whispers. “For being here. For everything.”

I brush a strand of hair from her cheek and kiss her. “You don’t need to thank me. Just let me love you and take care of you.”

She bites her lower lip, glancing away as she debates something internally. After a moment, she meets my gaze again.

“Do you really want to marry me?”

I’m momentarily taken aback, not having expected her to seriously consider my spur-of-the-moment suggestion. But looking into her uncertain eyes, I find myself nodding. Do I want to spend the rest of my life with this woman?

The answer comes quite fast. “Yeah, of course I do. I know the timing isn’t ideal, but . . . as I said, I love you, Ame.”

She gasps. “That’s the one thing that’s hard to understand.”

“Yeah, I have for a long time. I’ve been waiting for . . .” I shrug because honestly I can’t seem to remember why I was avoiding this. Archer is right, I can’t just wait for the right moment or let something like this go.

Fresh tears shimmer in her eyes, but she quickly blinks them back. A tiny, hopeful smile tugs at her lips.

“I’ve been a very stupid man for not giving you what you deserve, but after we get you back to health I’ll make it up to you.”

She shakes her head. “Your timing sucks, but I love you too, Gabe.”

Joy wells up inside me, tempered by the gravity of the situation. I press a soft kiss to her forehead, then pull her close again, holding this amazing woman who somehow agreed to be my wife.

Ameline pulls back slightly to meet my eyes, her own still glistening. “I can’t believe we’re really doing this,” she says with a nervous laugh.

I brush a strand of hair from her cheek. “It’s fast, I know. But I’ve never been more certain of anything.”

She nods, a shy smile playing on her lips. “So, when should we . . . you know, make it official?”

“Well, we’ll need to get a marriage license first. We could go down to the courthouse sometime this week if you want. Make it quick and easy.”

Her nose crinkles adorably. “Okay. Once I’m better we can try a small wedding, maybe?”

I can’t help but grin at the thought. “Of course, anything you want. We could find a little chapel or garden to have the ceremony. Just close family and friends. Does that sound good?”

Though, only family and friends means at least three hundred people, but maybe she’ll be used to the Deckers by the time we do a big ceremony.

“It sounds perfect,” she agrees, eyes shining.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Ameline

We sit in the cold doctor’s office, my hands clenched together so tightly my knuckles turn white. I’ve never felt so terrified and alone.Sure, Gabe is here with me but . . . I’m still wondering about his sudden confession. He loves me.

Really, he loves me?

I want to believe him, but what if he just said that to help me. That’s who he is. A guy who likes to save everyone.

And wouldn’t it be wonderful that he feels the same way I do? But maybe we both spoke out of our fear. The fear of what might happen to me. It could’ve been pity or . . . who knows. I glance at him searching for reassurance, for the truth. Would it be best if I beg him to be honest or just take away his declaration until I’m better?

Gabe smiles and then leans to give me a chaste kiss and squeezes my hand. That simple gesture melts my resolve. Okay, I don’t think it’s fear from my side. I do love him. Gabe loving me though . . .

Thankfully, the door opens. Dr. Collins enters. “Good morning everyone. Mr. Decker, it’s nice to see you, even under these circumstances.”

“Dr. Collins.” Gabe nods.

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