Page 108 of Her Goal
“Well, uh, I’d been doing some research, and it seemed befitting a lady such as yourself.”
Whatever was occupying her mind is forgotten for a moment as she bursts into laughter. It’s the most glorious sound and I decide right then that whatever happens next, I won’t give up until she’s mine and I get to hear that sound every day. Not only because I enjoy it but laughter feels good and I want her to feel good, wanted, and secure.
She taps the air. “It was unique, that’s for sure. Right there in front of the town hall.”
“I had help tracking you down.”
Bathed in the front porch light, she raises an eyebrow.
“A small army of your friends and family assisted.”
“They know about this?”
I shrug. “I, um, felt like doing things the old-fashioned way.” Meaning that even though her parents “arranged” our marriage, I went and spoke to them, offering the assurance that I’d love the heck out of their daughter. Abuela, whom I thought wouldinstantly be on board, only gave her approval after I showed her the ring.
Which I realize is in my pocket.
I could do this.
Right now.
“Grady was in Omaha at dinner with Heidi, so it’s going to take a while.”
“It’s her fault we got into this mess. Badaszek asked her to give you lessons, but she couldn’t, so she passed it off to me.”
“Pfft. Our mess? It started well before Heidi got involved.”
Leah laughs softly. “Yeah, I suppose you’re right.”
I pat my pocket and pull out the black velvet box. Twisting so my knees bump hers, sending a thrilling current through me, I take a deep breath. Here goes.
“Leah, most people go fromAtoBtoC. In other words, they start out liking each other, it intensifies, and then they get serious about their future. That wasn’t the case for us. We haven’t exactly done things backward, but out of order. Knowing how independent you are, I want you to have some power back in this situation. I also want to be yours.” I open the box and present the ring.
She’s quiet for so long that I realize I’m holding my breath and have to come up for oxygen. But I didn’t say a crucial part.
“Leah Maria, will you marry me?”
Again, she’s quiet and then we both inhale at the same time.
This isn’t exactly how I thought this would go.
I whisper, “Please say something.” When I mean,please say yes.
Her mouth opens and closes. “I have never been asked?—”
Stupidly not letting her finish, I say, “I should hope not.”
“Hudson, I’ve never even been asked on a date.” Her eyes dart everywhere but don’t land on me. She’s like a cornered cat, however I don’t fear she’ll scratch or hiss.
More like crawl away and hide.
However, what she said isn’t exactly true. “You sure about that?”
Her eyes widen with realization. “Do you mean at the carnival?”
“I imagine this takes you by surprise, but if your parents are pressuring us to get married, I say we go all in.”
“Why?” She blinks slowly like she can’t keep up with what’s happening or her mind is somewhere else.
