Page 120 of A Bossy Roommate

He pulls me into a kiss.

It shocks me so much I can’t reciprocate at first.

Once I realize what’s going on, once I register that he’s not going anywhere, the fear and anxiety melt away, and I lean into him, sliding my hand into his hair.

My body comes alive, and the tears dry.

He’s not angry or upset with me. Nor has he withdrawn and kicked me to the curb. The rational part of my brain, which has been shut off for the last couple of days, scolds me for thinking those things about him. I’ve been so consumed by fear and paranoia that I allowed my imagination to get the best of me.

When we break apart, he still holds me close, a smile spreading across his face. “Sweet Jesus, I’m so relieved. Give me a second. I was expecting the worst.”

I blink, unsure if I’ve heard him right. “I can’t believe you’re not mad.”

Carter shakes his head, pushing loose strands of hair away from my face. “No, Eden, I’m not mad. Not mad at all. I’m actually happy. Really happy.”

“But, you said?—”

“I know.” He gently cuts me off. “I know what I said about romantic relationships. But that was before when I never thought I’d meet someone like you, someone who has changed how I look at life. Having those things changes a person, makes them see things in a new light. You’re the girl I want to have a family with, babies, things I never thought I would want. Eden, don’t you see what you do to me?”

My heart melts. “I was so sure you were going to be furious. I was scared to tell you.”

“How could I be? It’s good that it happened. Thatallof this happened the way it did.” He takes my face in his hands and looks at me deeply. “If anything, it showed me that you’re the perfect girl for me. It showed me that I want to do everything in my power to be the perfect man for you—if you’ll let me. I want to spend the rest of my life proving this very point to you until there’s no doubt in your mind. Again, I’m headstrong, and I have no doubt in my mind that I’ll succeed.” He winks at me, and it’s the cutest wink I’ve ever seen. “All I ask of you is to trust me, with all your heart, and to know that I’m going to bring you a piece of heaven. A large piece, at that. So colossal, it’ll make angels jealous. I love you, Eden. I’ve loved you from the first moment I laid eyes on you.”

This is the first time he has said those words. He’s implied, and I’ve hoped but to actually hear him say them brings more tears to my eyes, and I’m rendered speechless.

“Deep down,” he says, “I knew right then, you’re the one for me. You’re my love, my life.” His eyes lock with mine. “Baby, I was never pretending.”

My mind is blank.

No words, only feelings.

Well, one feeling. Intense, overwhelming love.

“I’ve been without a family for so long,” he continues, bringing me closer, “I forgot what it was like. Then you camealong, and you brought my aunt and me closer than we’ve ever been, and from the moment you moved in with me, you became my family.”

I hug him, finally finding my words. “I love you too, Carter. God, I love you so much.”

“Oh, I know you do,” he teases, grinning at me, and I start laughing.

Chuckling, he grabs the ring and slides it onto my left ring finger. “Figured I should get you a diamond that symbolizes the right intention,” he says, as I admire the way it looks on me. He brings us to a sitting position, holding me tightly, and I crawl onto his lap so I can touch as much of him as possible.

“It’s all a little backward, don’t you think?” I tease, tears sliding down my cheeks. “Also, pretty sure I’m not supposed to get several diamond rings.”

Carter laughs. “So what? We do things our own way. You’ll definitely get a second wedding band too.”

I stare at the newest ring, my vision swimming. “This is too much.” Instead of having to pawn my wedding ring and having none, I now have all these.

“Nothing is too much for my soon-to-be wife.” He wipes the tears away, gently cupping my face.

“We need to get me those sunglasses. Ultra-protective.”

“You got it. Sunglasses coming right up!” We laugh. “Anything for my beautiful fiancée.”

I kiss him this time, needing to feel his lips on mine, to taste and hug him. To remind myself that this is real, all real. When I draw back, he smiles the warmest smile, his hand coming to rest on my chin.

“I can’t believe it,” he says. “We’re going to get married.”

The awe in his voice makes me smile back. “Yeah, we are.”

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