Page 44 of False Start
Tears prick my eyes as I gaze down at him. His eyes are full of so much hope and love. And the slight nervous shake in his hand is uncharacteristic but also very cute. I can’t imagine not having him in my life every single day. Maybe, we’re too young to marry by most people’s standards, but no one can deny how amazing we are together.
“Yes.”
His eyes grow large. “Yes?”
I nod my head as a smile spreads across my face. “Yes!”
He jumps up to a standing position and places the ring on my finger. Then he cradles my face in his hands and presses a kiss to my lips. When he breaks the kiss, he turns over his shoulder and shouts, “She said ‘Yes’!” Next, he picks me up and spins us around before placing my back on my feet.
I’m not ready to let go of him yet, so I wrap my arms around his neck. I tuck my face into the side of his neck and breathe him in. “I love you to the moon and back, Quarterback.”
He holds me tightly as he kisses the top of my head. “I love you more than life itself.”
AS WE LIE IN bed and stare into each other’s eyes, I think about how lucky I am to have Bryant. I fought the attraction and the feelings as hard as I could, and yet, I’m beyond grateful he persisted in chasing after me. The love we share is beautiful, passionate, and rare.
“What are you thinking about?” He asks.
“That I’m a lucky girl.”
“Even though I’m a chicken shit?”
“Especially because you’re a chicken shit. It’s my weakness.”
“Then I’m the lucky one. What other woman would have me?”
I reach across the bed and pinch his nipple. “Don’t talk about other women in our bed.”
“Ouch!” He hollers. “You called it ‘our’ bed, so I’ll forgive you.”
“Good thing,” I say. “I have more where that came from.” I reach across the bed once more and attempt to pinch him again, but he covers my hand with both of his and stops me.
“Marry me.”
“I already said yes.”
“I mean marry me now.”
“Do you want a quick engagement?” I ask.
“Seriously,” he says as he releases my hand and reaches out to touch my cheek. “I want to marry you tomorrow.”
“You have practice tomorrow, and a game the next day.”
“Sunday then.”
I snort. “Do you know how long it takes to plan a wedding? It takes months and sometimes years.”
“Not in Vegas.”
“I don’t have a dress for Vegas or anywhere for that matter. A pretty dress is literally my only requirement for getting married.”
He leans in and kisses me. “Yeah? Go buy a dress then. Take my credit card and when you get back I’ll book the red eye flight for Sunday.”
“I can’t tell if you’re being serious right now.”
He presses the palm of my hand against his chest. “As a heart attack.”
“My mom and sister will kill me if I elope.”
