Page 130 of Exposed

I cleared my throat. “You know…for part of the time you were away, I tried to convince myself I hadn’t loved you. That true love didn’t exist. That love was for idiots.” I took a deep breath. “But as soon as I saw you again up in the Empire High stands? I knew it was a lie I’d been telling myself. Because I love you, Brooklyn. I’ve always loved you. And I couldn’t help falling in love with this new version of you all over again.”

There were tears in her eyes. “I tried to convince myself the same. That we were young. That it wasn’t real. But I was so wrong. And I couldn’t help falling in love with you again too, Matt. The new version. But it’s a lot like the old version and I loved you so much then too.”

God, she was going to make me cry. And that was definitely not part of the plan. I leaned down and kissed her.

A few people watching us whistled.

I laughed and pulled back just a little. “I made so many mistakes over the years,” I whispered against Brooklyn’s lips. “One of the biggest was when we first started dating 16 years ago. I didn’t love you out loud. And I know why you stayed away from me. I understand, Brooklyn.”

“Matt.” Her voice cracked. “That’s not…”

“It is. You had doubts. Because I gave you reasons to doubt me. We promised each other we’d never walk away from a discussion. And I walked away. I shouldn’t have left you with your father.”

“It wasn’t your fault.”

It was. She’d never be able to convince me otherwise. I was glad that she’d been happy while we were apart. But I was a hell of a lot happier that she was here with me now. “Do you remember when you found my aunt’s ring in my nightstand? You told me that it was hard for you to love people. Because everyone you love leaves you.”

She pulled me even closer.

“And I told you that I’d never leave you. That I wasn’t going anywhere. That you belonged with me.”

“I remember,” she said. “I remember all of it. But Matt…nothing’s changed. Everyone I love does leave. Every single person I’ve loved has died. I’m cursed. I’m bad luck…”

“Every single person?” I shook my head. “What about my parents? They’re still here loving you. And what about Mrs. Alcaraz?”

She pressed her lips together. “I didn’t really think about that before.”

“And what about me?” I reached out to wipe her tears away. “I’m still here loving you. I’ll always be here loving you.”

“But aren’t you scared? That something terrible will happen if you’re with me? I’m scared of that. I’m so scared that you choosing me will put you in harm’s way. My dad…”

“Brooklyn,” I said, cutting her off. “The only thing that scares me is living one more second without you. And don’t you think the terrible thing already happened? I had to mourn you for 16 years. I lost you. Nothing is worse than that hell.”

She pressed her face against my chest and held me tight.

“I’m still here,” I whispered in her ear. “I’m still here and I’m not fucking going anywhere. Do you understand me?” I touched the bottom of her chin so she’d look up at me. “I waited half a lifetime for you to be in my arms again. No one will ever keep us apart. I dare them to try.”

The music changed toMy Dirty Little Secretand Brooklyn smiled.

“Our song again?” She smiled up at me. “I think this might be Tanner’s favorite.”

“No. I asked him to change the music halfway through our dance.”

“Are you about to break out in song? Because I love you, but your singing voice isn’t the best.”

“You wound me.”

She laughed.

“No, I’m not going to start singing.” I took a deep breath. “Brooklyn, I know you once promised I could be all your firsts. But I can’t be your first husband. I can’t even be your only husband. But I’m your last, Brooklyn. It’s you and me and Jacob against the world now. And I’m ready for the next step. One step closer to our happily ever after. I just never thought it would take so long.” I dropped to one knee.

She put her hand over her mouth and the tears started falling faster.

“I fell in love with you when I was 16 on a fall day just like this. The autumn breeze reminds me of you. But I’m so ready to experience every season with you. If you’ll do me the honor of being my wife.” I pulled the ring box out of my jacket pocket and opened it. “Will you marry me, Brooklyn?”

Chapter 38

Friday

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