Page 108 of Only Ever You

“So, if I let you back in, I need you to be patient. There are going to be times when I struggle with the past.” Tears well in my eyes. “It’s also clear to me that you’re sorry and you really do want another chance.”

Silence falls over us, and when I meet his gaze, he scans my expression.

“Pippa, I’ll do whatever it takes. I wish more than anything that I could go back to that night before the wedding and not let her get in my head.”

“I know,” I whisper. “I wish I could go back in time to stop your mother from hurting Lucas.”

He nods. “That too. It’s all been so raw for so long, and now there’s so much more to it.”

“She messed both of you up.”

“So, what does this mean for us?”

“I want to try again.”

An uncertain expression sweeps his face. It’s like he wants to grin but doesn’t want to show how excited he is. But it’s bursting through as his lips twitch until he can’t fight it anymore and his grin is blinding. “Really?”

“This is it though. You can’t break my heart again.”

“Never.”

He drops from the couch to his knees in front of me.

“Marry me.”

“Deacon …”

“I fucked up so badly. You deserve a redo.”

There’s nothing but heart in his eyes. He’s laying it all on the line. “I’m scared you won’t turn up again.”

“Then let’s not wait. We’ll fly to Las Vegas today and get married.”

I blink rapidly, trying desperately to process his words.

He pushes himself up and back onto the couch beside me. “Pippa. I love you. I am not about to let you go a second time. If you still want a big wedding, we’ll have one, but I’d gladly marry you today if it proves to you that I’m not leaving again.”

“Why Vegas? We could have a registry office wedding in the same amount of time.”

His eyes search mine. “Because you missed out on our honeymoon and we were flying back through the states, so all our paperwork is in order. And because I want to do something crazy.”

My lower lip wobbles. I can’t help it. “My wedding dress isn’t here.”

What am I saying? Surely, I have bigger concerns than that.

“We’ll buy a new one when we get there. And then we’ll come home and plan something public for family and friends. Trust me?” He holds out his hand.

I swallow hard. Either I take a leap of faith here or walk away. I can’t be tormented by this any longer.

“I won’t let you down again, Pippa. Ever. It’s you and me.”

I blink back tears before sliding my hand into his. His sigh of relief warms my heart.

“There … there’s something I need to tell you first.”

His brows knit in concern.

“I’m pregnant.”

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