Page 87 of Adrift Without You
“Ky,” Bren says, pulling away. “Do you remember me tellin’ you the first night we kissed was when I knew I was in love with you? Right here on this beach.”
I nod, taking both his hands in mine.
“We spent far too many years apart, Ky, and I never want that to happen again.”
Bren lowers himself to one knee, pulling a tiny box from his pocket. My breath hitches, and my heart picks up speed.
“I love you, Kyle Davies. Have since I was seventeen. Will you marry me?”
Bren opens the box; there’s a simple, elegant white gold band inside. Tears fill my eyes, and I smile so hard it hurts. “Bren, of course I’ll marry you. I thought youneeded more time.” I pull him to his feet. “But yes! Fucking yes!”
We kiss urgently, holding each other close. Part of me can’t believe we are finally getting our happily ever after; I also can’t believe Bren has beaten me to the punch.
He suddenly pulls away, brow knitted in confusion. “What do you mean you thoughtIneeded more time?”
“Well, you’ve only been divorced for five months. I thought I needed to wait until at least six before I proposed.”
“Jesus Ky, I was shit scaredIwould be rushin’youand it would be too soon.”
“Bren, you could have asked me the day you moved in, and I would have said yes. I already have a ring at home for you, too.” I laugh, tears staining my cheeks.
“Are you serious?”
“Yep! Now put that ring on my finger.”
Bren takes the ring from the box and slides it on. I cry like a baby, dabbing at the tears on my face as I admire the band. Bren isn’t doing much better.
“Let’s go home,” I say, giving him a few quick kisses. “I wanna make love to my fiancé.”
“At least two rounds,” Bren says with a smirk.
“You got yourself a deal future Mr. Davies.” Taking Bren’s hand in mine, I hold on tight because, this time, I’m never letting go.
Epilogue
Brendan
5 years later
Something’s tickling my nose, so I wiggle it, not wanting to wake up just yet. But the little fingers continue to dance across my face and, as much as I try not to, I smile. Her excited giggles break through the morning silence, and I know I’ve lost.
Opening my eyes, mischievous big caramel ones stare back at me.
“I tickle you, Papa,” Milly says, fingers now under my chin, her laughter growing louder.
“You’re a cheeky little monkey, aren’t you?” I take her tiny hand and press a kiss to it. “Maybe I should eat these naughty fingers.” I open my mouth wide and lunge dramatically for her hand.
She squeals in delight then jumps onto the bed in a fit of giggles. Leaning closer, she cups her hands around her mouth and whispers in my ear. “Papa, Daddy is still sound sleeping. Is he super-super-duper tired?”
Ky is indeed still asleep and plastered to my back, his face nuzzled into my hair as always. “Daddy was up durin’ the night with Ollie.”
Milly gasps and places her hand over her mouth, and I smile at her theatrics. “Oh, no! Did Ollie have bad dream, Papa?”
“Nah, I think his gums are sore cos he’s gettin’ a new tooth.”
Milly sighs dramatically, shaking her head. “Poor Ollie. Poor Daddy.”
She’s three, going on thirty-three, and I love her and Ollie so much it scares the hell out of me. I constantly stress about them; they’re so fragile and the world seems too damn dangerous. Yeah, I’mthatdad—trying to keep all the evil from getting anywhere near my babies.
