Page 30 of Choosing a Forever
But I have to believe it won’t. I have to believe this will all work out. Mack and I will get married, and she’ll stop having to work so hard because Harper will have better insurance. Then we’ll… I don’t know—fall in love and have a real marriage, maybe.
I’m smiling to myself like a silly goose now, thinking about falling asleep next to Mack. Waking up next to Mack. Bringing Mack flowers on a random Tuesday. Writing a grocery list with her and telling her to stay in bed, I’ll go pick up everything.
Ooo. Mack will wear the ringIpicked out for her. Everyone will see it and ask her about it, and she’ll call me her husband.
I’ll get to come home from a late shift and give her a kiss on the forehead and snuggle up next to her warm body in bed. She’ll tell me about her day while I trace the ink on her skin—I’ll have the lines memorized in no time—and then I’ll update her on what’s happening at the station.
Yeah, it’ll be perfect. This feels right.
I’m so caught up in my daydream I don’t notice Mack sliding into the booth across from me.
Gosh, she looks pretty today.
Her long hair is in a braid over one shoulder, and she’s wearing a black shirt that scoops low in the front—
I snap my gaze up to hers.
“Hi, Mack. You look good,” I say, hoping she doesn’t think I’m a creep.
“Hi, Tal, thanks. So do you,” she replies, glancing around the shop.
We’re at a different sandwich place since Valley Baker is closed on Sundays. I ordered for us already, and I slide the wrapped sandwich, bag of chips, and chocolate chip cookie over to Mack.
Her brows furrow. “What’s this?”
“Your sandwich.”
“Tal—”
“No, please don’t argue with me. You need to eat.”
She huffs. “I don’t remember you being so bossy.”
I grin. “I’m not bossy, Mack. I just want to make sure you’re eating.”
Mack sighs and opens her chips, crunching on one while I do the same. “Thank you.”
“Of course. Anything for you.”ANYTHING.
Anticipation rattles around in my stomach, and I want to ask her what her answer is, but I don’t want to seem too eager—too pushy.
Mack doesn’t touch her sandwich, but she does eat a few more chips before she wipes her fingers on her napkin and folds her arms in front of her on the table.
“So about your offer…” she says slowly.
My heart stutters. “Have you thought about it?”
“I have.”
I hate that I can’t read the emotion on her face. I hate that I can’t tell what she’s about to say.
“And…” She takes a deep breath before she looks directly into my eyes—directly into my freakingsoul.“Yes, I’ll marry you.”
The wings of a thousand doves flap around in my stomach, and I swear the heavens open and light pours in through every window in this place—nevermind that the sky is filled with dark clouds.
Hope and joy light my chest, and I have the sudden urge to scoop her out of the booth and kiss her. Thank her. Make promises I have no business making.
Tears spring to my eyes.
