Page 128 of Mr. Swoony

The tips of the nurse’s lips move up, but she’s quick to straighten them before he can call her out.

“He’s hard not to like,” I say as she checks the bedside screen.

She glances at Conor. “No getting in the bed, you got it?”

He holds up his hands. “Deal.”

She leaves, and he grabs my hand. “I’m sorry,” he says for the millionth time.

Being in that bathroom was scary for a few minutes, and I’m sure that what happened tonight will stay with me for a while.

“What happened to Lila?” I ask.

“She was arrested for assault. She’s in jail tonight. They want to know if you want to press charges.”

I close my eyes. I have to admit that I feel better knowing she’s not on the loose and able to get to us. “I don’t think she’s okay, Conor. I think it’s more than her wanting you. She was convinced that if she got rid of me, she’d have you.”

His gaze moves to the bruise which has made my entire cheek swell.

“It will heal,” I tell him, seeing the guilt painted over every one of his features.

“Still.” His knuckles brush along the skin of my other cheek. “We’ll talk about it later. Once I get you home. You need to sleep.”

My eyes close. I am exhausted from the day, and I’m just about to drift into dreamland when the mattress dips next to me. Conor’s smell lingers around me, and he holds me close.

“What are you doing? She’s going to come in here and kick your ass out.”

He chuckles and kisses my temple. “Are you okay? Am I bothering you?”

“Never. At least not until we’re in our fifties and sleeping in separate beds,” I mumble.

“Good, so we’re on the same page.”

I frown, but it hurts my cheek, so I stop. “I’m sorry?”

“Marriage. Not the whole separate beds things, but you want to marry me too. We can pick a date when we get out of here.” He kisses my temple. “Now sleep.”

My eyes fly open. “Conor, what are you talking about?”

He chuckles to himself, but when his eyes meet mine, there’s no humor in his face. “I love you, Eloise. I’ve known it for some time now, but I was scared to tell you. Seeing you on that floor… I was so scared, and I couldn’t breathe when you wouldn’t open your eyes. You’re it for me, and I don’t want to live one minute without you in my life. I want to marry you and adopt puppies and raise our children together. I want to make a million lists with you and be next to you as we cross them off together. Will you marry me, Eloise Corbin?”

I open my mouth, but no words come out.

“I know I don’t have a ring, but I’ll rectify that. And if you want me to do a big proposal again in front of our friends and family, I will. I’ll surprise you a second time.”

I shake my head, tears blurring my vision. “No. It was perfect. I don’t want a big production. I want everything you just said. I love you too, Connor Nilsen.”

He closes his eyes in relief and kisses my forehead.

“People will think we’re crazy,” I say.

“They won’t when they come to our fiftieth wedding anniversary party.” He wipes a tear from my cheek. “Does that mean you’re saying yes?”

“Yes.”

He does a little holler, and the nurse pushes the curtain aside, peeking her head in. She puts her hands on her hips and glares.

“She said yes to marrying me!”

---