Page 43 of Spring Break with a Bass Player
“Maybe you shouldn’t be so hot then.”
“And maybe you should be my wife.” The words slip out, my actual intention to do thisinsidethe bar, but this is better.
This is us.
“What?”
Fishing the ring from my pocket, I drop to one knee and take her trembling hand in mine.
“Saige—”
“Here?”
“I was going to do it in the bar; you want me to wait?”
“No. Sorry, I just…” She looks up, blinking fast as she tries to gain her composure. “I just didn’t think this would be me.”
Her eyes are full of tears as they meet mine, the vulnerability on her face beautiful, and I love that we’re in a place that she’s not so afraid to show it.
“I knew the moment I met you that you’d be the one.”
“No, you didn’t.” She laughs and I shake my head.
“You’re terrible at this.”
“I’ve never been proposed to before.”
“Yeah well, it’s about to be a whole lot less romantic if you keep talking because the sidewalk isn’t exactly comfortable.”
“Sorry,” she murmurs, her lips hitching up on one side.
“I love you and I love your sass, and I never knew that working for something could be so damn fun. You’re beautiful inside and out, Saige, and being with you has made me a better man.”
“It’s because I’m prickly.”
“I fucking love that you’re prickly and that you know you’re safe with me—that you’re home in my arms with that smile that’s only for me. So now that I’ve gone completely off script, will you marry me?”
“See, now this would have been a good time for the whole growlybe my wifemoment.”
“Beautiful,please,” I beg and she laughs.
“Yes.”
Finally.
Sliding the ring on her finger, I stand, cupping her face and crushing my mouth to hers.
“Are you happy?” I whisper, unable to stop peppering little kisses on her lips.
“Yes. But also, I can’t imagine anyone willing to put up with me like you do,” she taunts, pulling me tighter against her. “It’s endearing.”
“I’ll remind you of that when you’re on your knees later.”
“Promises, promises, Band Camp.”
“Get inside before we make a scene.”
“Fine, but first…” Backing me against the side of the building, she kisses me hard like she’s trying to show me just how much this all means to her.
