Page 73 of All Because of You

Olivia’s eyes widened at the silver band. “You’re not going to propose, are you?”

“Don’t look so scared.” He laughed.

“I’m not.” She wasn’t scared. She had only known Shane a short time, but she knew him better than she ever knew Daniel, and Shane knew her, too. And not the girl who tried to be the ideal version of herself, but the girl who made mistakes and wasn’t perfect. He had seen her at her very worst, and he’d been at her side ever since.

“Well, I’m not going to propose.”

It was too soon, and she thought she’d be relieved, but a touch of sadness came over her.

He cupped her cheek, and she relished in the warmth of his touch. “I want you to hold onto my mom’s ring as a promise that no matter how scary things get, I’ll never run.”

Her heart burst with joy as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a thin silver chain. “Will you hold onto this for me?”

She nodded, unable to form words. He slid the ring on the chain and stepped behind her. The ring rested against her chest, and she placed her hand over the cool metal. His warm breath stroked her ear, his finger trailing up the delicate skin of her neck.

“I love you,” he said.

She spun around and crashed her lips to his, taking the control he so willingly gave her. Her hands thrust into his hair, pulling on the short strands and holding him close. Happiness slammed into her, overwhelming her mind, body, and soul.

It was not so long ago when she had thought she had lost everything, but in losing all the materialistic elements of her life, she was able to find the things that really mattered.

She was able to find true love.

Shane pulled back, pressing a kiss to her nose. He took the ring in his hand and held it up. “And when the time is right, I’ll buy you a ring that—”

Her finger rested against his lips. “When the time is right, the only ring I want on my finger is this one.”

His lips captured hers hard and fast before he scooped her off her feet and gave her a ride she’d never forget.

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