Page 65 of Cowboy's Healing Heart

His words seal the deal. I cry out, my body shaking as I come apart. He follows, thrusting a few more times before spilling into me with a harsh groan.

We stay like that for a moment, our hearts pounding, our breaths mingling. Then he kisses me, soft and sweet. I'm overwhelmed by the emotions coursing through me.

Then, in the protection of his arms, Shane tells me the truth about the requirements his family has and about the life we'd be stepping into. Then he leans over the side of the bed for his jeans and pulls out a ring.

"Everything in my life has been part illusion, manipulation," he says. "I need you to be real. Please."

I stare at the ring, my mind whirling. Somewhere in the corners of my mind, I realize I've wanted this. A family. Him. And now he's offering it, but it seems to be loaded with hidden meanings and trick doors.

But when I look into his eyes and feel his touch on my skin, it's real. It's so incredibly real.

"Krystal Duncan, will you marry me?" Shane asks, his voice barely above a whisper.

My heart is pounding so hard I can hear it in my ears. I think about Ashanti, about the life we've been living, always onthe run. I think about Jordan and his threats. And I think about Shane, about the way he makes me feel safe and loved.

"Yes, Shane Kennedy," I say, my voice shaky but sure. "Yes."

"God, I love you," he murmurs as he slips the ring on my finger.

The ring is exquisite, a delicate band of white gold adorned with a single sparkling diamond, surrounded by a constellation of smaller stones. It represents a future I never dared to hope for.

"It's beautiful. I love you, too."

Shane's arms tighten around me, pulling me closer as we cuddle up on the bed. The warmth of his body envelops me, and I feel safe like we're back in our little bubble.

Laying back, I let my head rest against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. Thoughts swirl in my mind—everything from Ashanti’s well-being to the logistics of moving again to how I'll have to navigate Jordan.

This moment feels surreal. The ring glimmers on my finger, a constant reminder of the leap I've taken into uncertainty. Shane shifts slightly beneath me, adjusting our positions without breaking the embrace.

I close my eyes for a moment, allowing myself to enjoy this feeling of connection.

What if it’s too good to be true? My fears surface like unwelcome guests at a party. I push them aside. Tonight is about us.

His finger slides across my skin, and I lean into his touch. A smile creeps onto my face despite everything.

I could get used to this. I could get used tohim.

"Do you think we can really make this work?" I ask quietly, still caught up in our cocoon.

Shane’s voice rumbles softly above me. "I believe we can."

His heartbeat matches mine as we lay together in silence, lost in our thoughts while wrapped in each other’s warmth.

"What's next?" I ask, suddenly afraid of the answer.

Shane shifts, reaching over the side of the bed. When he turns back, he's holding a small box. My heart starts racing as he opens it, revealing a ring.

"New York City," he says. "And us."

"Shane?" I say after a while.

"Hmm?"

"Promise me something."

He pulls back, looking at me. "Anything."

I swallow hard, fighting back tears. "Promise me you won't let me disappear."

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