Page 58 of Red's Revenge

“I’ll leave when you do,” she says firmly.

“As long as Red stays with me, I’ll be fine. Thanks for helping me.” She smiles with a wink.

“When have I ever turned down seeing you naked?” Red’s jaw drops, and I snicker.

“What? Too soon?” Kit rolls his eyes and pulls Evelyn away.

“Will see you tomorrow. Promise.” Eve says as Kit waves goodbye.

“The roses are gorgeous,” I comment once we’re alone.

“Red for me and yellow for you. They reminded me of your hair in the sunlight.” He picks up my braid and twirls it around his fingers.

“What’s in the bag?” His lips tilt into a half smile.

“What I promised you,” he says it so simply that it takes me a moment to comprehend.

“Oh.” I stare at the black bag until he climbs on the bed with me.

“No rush on that one. I want to talk about something else first.” He lifts my left hand and twirls the ring I found on it when I woke.

I’ve been ignoring its strange weight, not bothering to bring it up since no one else has. We both watch him play with the diamond for a few moments.

“I have no idea where it came from,” I say, using the first thing that comes to mind because that’s what I thought when I noticed it.

“It was my grandmother’s. Ma gave it to me when I was at my lowest while searching for you. I felt hopeless, and she said it was my motivation to find you. I got the news you were found moments after opening the box and swearing to God if Iwas lucky enough to have you in my life again, I wouldn’t take another moment for granted.” I look up at him.

“Red.” He shakes his head.

“No, wait. Let me get it all out. I know damn well this is the worst possible time, but when you promise the good Lord something, and he follows through, then you have to do the same.” He stands and drops to one knee.

“I swear to Christ above if you let me love you the rest of our lives, you will want for nothing.” A tear runs down my cheek.

“No, Darlin’, don’t cry. You’ve done enough of that to last a lifetime.” He kisses my tears away, then pulls back to stare into my eyes.

“Camila Victoria Greystone, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” I’m nodding before he even has my full name out.

“Can we maybe wait until I’m not looking like a clown threw up on me?” He tries not to laugh at my description but nods.

“I love you so fucking much.” He places his forehead against mine and sighs.

It’s the first time he’s ever said it, and I’m unable to speak.

“It’s okay if you’re not ready to say it back. I feel it.” I swallow hard and grab him by his cheeks.

“I love you, too,” I whisper the words, afraid that the universe may take this from me.

“I really wanna kiss you, but I’m not sure if you’re ready.” I slam my mouth on him to shut him up.

We’re on the bed making out like a bunch of teenagers when my doctor walks in.

“Mr. Justice, it is well past visiting hours, and this is unacceptable behavior!” I hide my face so he doesn’t see my giggle.

“Try to throw me out. This woman just consented to be my wife. Satan himself couldn’t tear me away from her.” The doctor sighs and slams my chart on the counter.

“Can you please refrain from consummating your engagement on hospital time then? I have some lab reports to go over with you, Ms. Greystone. I’m assuming it’s fine if your fiance hears them? Congratulations, by the way.” He tacks on the last part with a flourish of his hand in the air.

“Yes, go ahead, Doc,” I mumble.