Page 159 of The Persistence of Thornes
The Christmas tree in the corner is lit, putting off a soft glow. As I survey it, I smile. My brothers helped us pick it out, and then Seda joined us when we decorated. We ended the day with homemade hot chocolate far more delicious than I thought possible.
For a moment, I’m lost in my happiness.
I don’t want things to change.
I’m happy. Just like this. What difference does it make to anyone else what I choose to do with my life? I can’t live my life on some perfectly laid-out timeline. It’s time to do the things that feel right.
“Caleb?” I prompt softly. Nervousness creeping into my voice.
His fork stills against his bowl. “Yeah?”
“Did you mean what you said in the hospital? About marrying me? That you’d have found a chaplain and done it there?”
“Yes.” He arches a brow. “What are you getting at?”
I swallow past my nerves and clasp my trembling hands in my lap. “Let’s do that.”
Eyes narrowed in confusion, he studies my face. “Do what? Go back to the hospital?”
“No.” I shake my head.
He’s giving me an out. He’s too smart to not know what I’m getting at. But Iamsure.
“Let’s get married,” I breathe. “I love you. You make me happier than I’ve ever been, and I’m tired of always waiting for the other shoe to drop. Of thinking I’m not worthy of being happy. Of being loved by someone like you.” Tears prick at the backs of my eyes. “I want to choose you. I want you to choose me. I want to know every day that you’re not just the man I love but my husband. My partner. My?—”
He’s off the stool, hands on my cheeks, his mouth slanting over mine, before I can finish.
“Yes,” he murmurs. “God, yes.” He nips my bottom lip. “I would’ve married you the day I met you.”
I laugh. “You’re ridiculous.”
He pulls back just enough to lock eyes with me as he shakes his head. “No, Halle. Iknewfrom the moment I saw you that you were going to change my life. It was like the universe finally gave me everything I’d been begging for. When I saw you, I knew you were meant for me. I just hoped I was meant for you too.”
Fuck. This man.
A single tear tracks down my cheek.
He cups my jaw, pressing his forehead to mine. “We’re going to have a great life, Halle. I’ll take care of your heart.”
My chest squeezes in response to his promise. I know he will.
CHAPTER 40
CALEB
“Do you still want to get married?”
I can’t help but ask the question first thing the next morning. And I fully expect her to back out. I’d be okay with that. It would be normal to have reservations, though I truly have none.
So it shocks me when she blinks back at me sleepily, and a slow smile spreads across her face. “I want to be your wife.”
With a groan, I burrow beneath the covers and show her just how much that pleases me.
After, we shower and getready, then head out to file for our marriage license. We’ll have to wait at least three days before we can actually get married, and if, in that time, she gets cold feet, that’ll be okay too. I want this, but I don’t want her to do it until she’s ready.
As we exit the courthouse, Halle clings to my arm, smiling from ear to ear.
This might be the happiest I’ve ever seen her.
