Page 79 of Embers in the Outfield

He adds, “If I don’t tie your shoes right now, I’m scared we won’t make it to tomorrow. I don’t want you to fall, sweetheart.” The fucker looks up and winks. He’s such a dick.

“You motherfucker!” I seethe. “What is wrong with you?”

I smack his shoulder once he’s done tying my laces and stomp into the kitchen.

“You didn’t really think I was going to propose when you have baby formula on your shoulder, did you?” He chuckles in the living room as I try to compose myself in the kitchen.

I look into the small mirror positioned on the wall, and sure enough, there’s a massive blob of white gunk on my shoulder. Damnit!

“Ha ha, very fucking funny, Riv. You know, I can still say no when that day comes, right? I hold that power,” I say as I make my way back to him in the other room.

He’s shuffling through shows for us to potentially watch, and he looks my way, “Yeah, right. You like my dick too much.”

I smack him upside the head. “Keep telling yourself that.”

I squeal as he pulls me in and puts me on his lap, kissing me hard.

“Baby, you know I will not stop bothering you about this because you make it too easy. Plus, you and I are it for one another. You know you love me.” He brings his lips to drop a kiss on my nose.

“Yeah, I’m starting to question why that is right now.” I shrug but still smile at the same time.

“You know you can’t get enough of me. I’m irresistible."

We pick a movie, and I feel my eyes get heavy. Despite years of nightmares, I finally feel at peace within myself, and my thoughts wander into a dream of forever with this man by my side.

Epilogue

RIVER

I can’t believeit’s been a year since Kennedy and I started this whole thing between us. What began as a way to satisfy our needs has morphed into something so much bigger than either of us ever imagined.

That being said, I still look at her every day and realize how fucking lucky I am that we’re here, together, and in many ways happier than I ever gave us credit for. We walk into the restaurant with a view of the water. As the sun sets, the colors in the sky reflect, and it’s hard to look away.

We’re celebrating Ashton and Samara’s one-year anniversary; at least, that’s what Kennedy thinks. But I’ve got a few surprises up my sleeve, which I’ve been sweating bullets making sure everything is in order.

I won’t lie; since I started fake proposing to Kennedy months ago, it’s been fun to watch her face morph into excitement only to realize I’m fucking with her. If there’s anything we love to do, it’s taunt one another. So I’ve continued, making sure we’re in public to ensure she really gets thrown off the scent of the actual proposal.

The last time I got down on one knee, it was only to give Lola kisses while we were on a walk. She nearly kneed me in the nose after that one. The way she stormed off only made me want her more, and I fucked the anger out of her that afternoon. She wasn’t complaining after that.

We walk into the restaurant, and I immediately feel my palms sweat. I have to find a way to make sure everything goes well. Everyone knows their part, so let’s just hope things go off without a hitch because I cannot fake this one. I have put way too much effort into this evening.

The moment we walk in, Ash and Sam are at the table we reserved. It’s only got seating for the four of us, but that will soon change. I guide Kennedy with our hands interlaced, praying she doesn’t feel the moisture building as my heart races in my chest.

Ash gives me a hug that nearly pulls all the air from my lungs, whispering, “You look like you’re going to be sick, Riv.” When he pulls away, he has a huge smile on his face, and I respond with, “Thanks for the confidence boost.”

I move to pull Kennedy’s chair out and take a few calming breaths as she scoots in. The moment I’m seated, she pulls herself close to me. “You look a little pale, babe. Need me to get you some juice or something?” She moves her hands to my forehead to check for a fever.

I shake my head, hoping I can pull myself out of this nervous state and enjoy the moment. We start drinking our water while we wait for the server to come take our orders.

The conversation flows as it usually does, this time focusing on the twins and how much they’ve grown. Sam is beaming, talking about the latest milestones they’ve reached, and Ash is scrolling through pictures to show off his kids. The more they talk, the calmer I get.

I’m starting to doubt myself for fucking around with Kennedy for so long and fake proposing. What if she thinks I’m faking it?

No, no, she can’t. There's a ring involved this time. There's not faking it this time around. I have to be romantic. That’s what Clay keeps telling me. He gave me some pointers so I don’t spoil it when I ask. Highlights from his pep talk: don’t say you want to fuck her. My brother, ladies and gentlemen.

The server comes by and takes everyone’s order. I look over the menu and put it down, looking right at Kennedy when I do.

“They don’t have what I want,” I protest, looking angry.

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