Page 130 of Mr. Swoony

We wash up fast since we have to get going, although I wouldn’t have minded staying in for the night.

After I got out of the hospital, he put his list up on the fridge next to mine, so we both know what the other wants. I feel like we’re always trying to surprise one another to check something off.

We take the elevator down to the lobby and head out onto the Strip, the doorman getting us a taxi. Conor gives the cabbie the address, and I cuddle into his arm, lifting my hand and looking at my band and engagement ring.

“It’s beautiful.”

He kisses the top of my head. “Just like the woman who wears it.”

“There you go with your lines again.” I pat his stomach.

When the cab driver says we’re here, I look out the window to see a tattoo parlor. I tilt my head at him.

“You don’t have to, but I’m crossing it off my list,” he says.

“Oh, okay.”

We get out and go inside. Sure enough, he’s made two appointments—one for me and one for him. I haven’t even thought about what I would get a tattoo of, though.

Conor walks to the back with one of the guys.

“What are you getting?” I ask.

“You’ll see once I’m done.” He winks and sits in the chair, talking to the tattoo artist.

“You’re Eloise?” A woman approaches me. She’s got full sleeves filled with beautiful and intricate designs.

“I am. Can I ask you a question?”

“Sure,” she says.

“Can you do a star pattern along the inside of my wrist?”

“Easy peasy.” She walks us over to her station, away from Conor.

An hour or so later, I finish up, and he’s waiting for me in the waiting area.

“So, what did you get?” I’m excited to see.

He lifts his hand to show me a cursive letter E on his ring finger with a line that wraps around his finger.

“Seriously?”

He chuckles. “We’re the long game, you know that.”

“Jeez, I love it. I’m going to stare at your finger more than my ring now.”

“Well, time for your big reveal.” He lifts my hand and gently pulls back the bandage. “Stars. I love it.”

“I love you.” I walk into him, and he wraps his arms around me.

“I love you too.” He kisses the top of my head. “Another item to cross off.”

“Thanks for thinking of this.”

He takes my hand, guiding us out of the tattoo shop. We get back to our hotel, eat, and retire early since the minute we get back to Chicago, Conor has to get to the rink for his morning skate.

It was the best trip I’ve ever been on.

---