Page 102 of Loved By You

I stop in my tracks. Has it been a year? I go through my memory bank and realize he’s right. One whole year ago, Jack unexpectedly showed up and walked back into my life, changing it and me as a person in a way I could never have predicted, and I have Nancy and a bottle of tequila to thank.

He passes me a glass full and takes my free hand, licking the back of it and sprinkling the salt on. He takes his own shot glass and raises it in the air. “To a year of us and all the years we have ahead.”

I want to say something, but I lose all ability to speak. He’s so incredibly thoughtful, he always remembers the little things, the moments most would forget about, but not Jack. They are the moments he absorbs and uses when I least expect, making me fall further in love with him. We clink our glasses, lick the salt from the back of our hands and suck in the lime slices.

“Fuck, that’s strong.” He winces. I just nod, unable to utter a response as I suppress the urge to gag.

“Okay Mr. Lawson, your turn,” I say, clapping my hands together, turning our attention back to our game, mentally preparing to be beaten again. I reach for my glass of red wine, desperate to get the burning taste of tequila from my mouth.

Jack places his last Scrabble square down and spins the board round so the words are the right way up.

It takes me a second to notice he’s removed some of the words I know I placed down. I search the board trying to find the new word and there, in the center, are the words MARRY ME.

“Jack, is this...” I can’t finish my sentence, I'm being silly, it’s a game, It’s just words.

“Sweetheart, a year ago today you quite literally stumbled back into my life when I least expected it and bringing with you two little girls who have stolen my heart. I’ve fallen in love with them as if they were my own. I have spent too many years wishing I had told you sooner how much you meant to me. Wishing I had been the one to have all your firsts with, but I’m hoping there are still many firsts we can share together.”

I exhale and wipe the tear falling down my cheek. This man and his words are my undoing. He takes my hands and pulls me towards him ever so slightly. His hands frame my face, and he strokes the tears that fall down my cheeks.

“I want to be your family, Ri. Let me be your safe space. You don't need to do this on your own anymore. I want it all with you. I want the lake house and the white picket fence, the Sunday morning pancakes topped with whipped cream and M&M’s. I want a house full of pink tutus and Barbie Dream Houses, the ballet classes and I’ll get better at diaper changes because I want all the babies you are willing to give me. I am so in love with you, and everything that comes with you.”

He gets on one knee and my hands fly to cover my mouth.

Pulling a black velvet box from his pocket, he opens it up to reveal the most stunning platinum band ring with three large diamonds.

“These three diamonds represent us and our relationship. You are part of my past, you are my present, and I want you to be the biggest part of my future. Maria Kennedy. Will you marry me?”

“Yes.” It comes out on a choked sob and a laugh.

He slides the ring on my finger and the diamonds sparkle under the light from the windows.

He rises to his feet, reaching for my hands, pulling me up and into his hard chest. I reach up on my tiptoes and crash my lips to his.

“I love you,” I pant in between kisses to his soft lips.

“I love you too, Mrs. Maria Lawson-to-be.”

“That has a nice ring to it,” I hum.

“It sure does. Now, I’d like to explore my wife-to-be’s body and show her just how much I love her.”

And explore he did. We spent all night getting lost in one another and discovering new levels of pleasure we had not yet experienced. I don't ever want to come down from this high, knowing this man wants me, despite my chaos, despite all the crazy I bring to his life, he wants me. He came into our lives so unexpectedly, picking up all our broken pieces and put us back together in a way that made us unbreakable. He loved me even when I still tasted of heartbreak and fear and showed me what it’s like to have someone walk into your life and never leave.

Chapter Forty-Seven

Ria

One year later

“Jesus, Ri, you’re gonna ruin my make up,” Ali says fanning her face, fighting back tears as she looks at me as Gabby fastens the last clasp on my wedding dress. I chose a simple satin, backless white gown. It hugs my curves in all the right places, and I know it will drive Jack crazy. I wanted elegant and classy, but also want to make my husband tear it off me later. My hair is pinned in loose waves at the base of my head with a veil clipped in.

My girls look utterly adorable in white flower girl dresses and satin bows in their hair.

“Mommy, you look like a princess,” Lexi says, standing next to me, looking at our reflections in the mirror. I bend down, careful not to crease my dress and get down at her eye level. “And so do you, my girl. Are you ready to walk down the aisle? You know what to do?”

She nods her little head. “Uh huh, I take my basket and me and Elle will throw the petals everywhere.”

“Perfect.” I smile, bopping her on the nose. Elle stands next to Ali, holding her hand, a bit unsure of all the commotion. She’s my little wall flower, quieter than her big sister, and I just hope she can manage today without feeling too overwhelmed.

---