Page 13 of Tangled Hearts
“You two were incredible,” he says, his voice carrying over the applause. “Brave and incredible.”
The performers cheer, their voices filled with gratitude and relief. Jasper pulls me into a tight embrace, his body warm and solid against mine.
The applause fades into the background as we share a moment of quiet intimacy. Jasper’s hands frame my face, his touch gentle and reverent. He leans in, capturing my lips in a kiss that’s both tender and passionate. The world around us falls away, leaving only the two of us, connected and unbreakable.
When we finally pull apart, the performers surround us, their congratulations warm and genuine. The danger is over, but the bond we’ve forged in the heat of the moment remains. I look into Jasper’s eyes, seeing my own feelings reflected back at me.
“We make a pretty good team,” I say, a playful smile tugging at my lips.
Jasper chuckles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “The best team.” His eyes scan my face as if he wants to say more. He clamps down on his bottom lip with his teeth, before uttering: “Marry me. Be mine. Forever.”
My eyes widen, shock throttling my system.
Before I can answer, his eyes sparkle as he continues. “I won’t take no for an answer.”
“Well, then. I guess I should listen to the man that saved my life. A few times.” I wrap him in a hug. “I would love to be yours. Yes, I’ll marry you.”
Jasper turns, shouting with enthusiasm I’ve never seen from him before. “She said yes! Meet the future Mrs. Jasper Kane!”
The crowd gathered around us erupts into cheers. Jasper clasps my hand and we both take a bow, our cheeks heated with the love washing over us.
As the night winds down and the circus returns to its usual rhythm, I feel a sense of peace settle over me. The challenges we’ve faced have only brought us closer, and I know that together, we can handle anything that comes our way.
We walk hand in hand back to Jasper’s caravan, the soft glow of the circus lights casting a warm halo around us. The night is quiet now, the earlier tension replaced by a sense of calm and contentment.
“Thank you, Jasper,” I say softly, leaning into him. “For everything.”
He wraps his arm around me, pulling me close. “Thank you, Lila. You’re amazing.”
We share another kiss under the stars, the night air cool against our skin. It’s a perfect moment, filled with love, trust, and a promise of many more adventures to come.
“I can’t wait to be yours forever,” I breathe, feeling the happiest I’ve ever felt.
Chapter Ten
Jasper
I stand inside Lila’s caravan, the dim lighting casting a warm glow over the cozy space. The scent of her lingers in the air, a subtle mix of vanilla and something uniquely hers. I take in the details that make this place so distinctly Lila: the colorful scarves draped over the windows, the eclectic collection of trinkets from our travels with the Misfit Cabaret, and the neatly stacked books by her bed. It’s like stepping into her soul, and it makes me smile.
I take a piece of paper and write a note, my handwriting firm and decisive: "Meet me by the giraffes after dark." I place it on her dresser, making sure it’s positioned where she’ll easily find it. The soft swish of the paper as I set it down feels like a promise. I take one last look around, feeling a swell of anticipation, and quietly leave.
The gentle creak of the caravan’s floorboards follows me out, blending with the distant sounds of the circus winding down for the night. The familiar symphony of murmuring voices, the muted roar of a lion settling in for sleep, and the soft clinking of metal from the riggers packing up their gear is comforting.
Later, as the night deepens, I wait by the giraffe enclosure with an engagement ring in my pocket. The sky is clear, stars twinkling like a thousand tiny lanterns above. The gentle giants stand peacefully, their long necks silhouetted against the moonlight. My heart beats a little faster as I think about what’s to come.
I look up as Lila approaches, her silhouette graceful and alluring in the starlight. The anticipation I felt earlier multiplies seeing her now, illuminated by the soft glow of the moon.
“Hey there, beautiful,” I greet her, my voice low and warm.
She smiles, a playful glint in her eyes. “Hey yourself. Got your note.”
I take her hand, pulling her close. “I’m glad you did. I’ve been thinking about you.”
Her eyes sparkle with mischief. “Oh? And what exactly have you been thinking?”
It’s been a few days since I asked her to marry me, and I would be lying if I said I was being patient. If she’d let me, I’d whisk her off to the courthouse right now. But I stop myself, because she deserves more than that.
“I have something for you.” I drop to one knee and ask her to marry me all over again, this time with a proper ring the size of a fucking boulder on her finger. She drops to her knees with me, hugging me tightly and whispering yes over and over.
