Page 179 of Foreplay on Words

“I love you,” I whispered before I gave her a gentle kiss, slowly caressing her lips with mine.

“Mmm,” she hummed into my mouth as she slipped her hands inside my suit jacket and wrapped her arms around me. She laid her head against my chest, over my heart, as she hugged me.

“Your heart is racing,” she whispered, and my arms tightened around her.

“That’s what you do to me,” I whispered as I took a deep breath and leaned back from her. “Outside?”

She nodded. “Let’s go.”

I interlaced our fingers and opened the door for her, letting her pass through the threshold before I followed behind her.

She looked amazing in a floaty light gray dress with her hair loose. I was one lucky bastard.

The quiet gasp she let out as the gardens came into view was worth every hour of getting this plan into place. “What is this? Is there something else going on tonight?”

“Why don’t you have a look around,” I suggested, my voice a little tight.

She looked up at my face and searched my eyes before she nodded and let go of my hand. I followed behind as she walked slowly along the red brick path and through the nearest archway leading to the garden.

The trees and bushes had all been covered with twinkle lights. It’d taken Adrian and Sam a few hours with Chase’s brothers this afternoon to get it all done in time.

I could tell when she saw the roses and her steps faltered. The path was lined with white and red rose petals. In the center of the cloister was a stone pedestal with a single red rose lying on top of a copy of our book. It was open to the passage I’d written when I realized I wanted forever with her.

She looked back at me, and I nodded, urging her to look. I’d highlighted the line that described how I felt about her.

“I’d die for you if it meant you got to live, but I’d happily live forever with you if we get the chance...”

She picked up the rose from the pedestal and turned away. I glanced back and saw our family crowded against the wall, out of sight, waiting for me.

“Evan... I...” I could hear her start to talk, still facing away from me. She brought her hand to her cheek, wiping something away, and I felt a tear run down my own.

It was now or never.

Trying not to make any noise, I pulled the ring out of my pocket and lowered myself to one knee.

“Chase...” I started, and she turned around, her hand covering her mouth.

“I...uh...” My throat felt tight as she stared at me, and I knew I needed to push through the nerves.

The chance of a lifetime with her was worth more than a few minutes when it felt like I was going to have a heart attack.

“I know we’ve barely decided to move in together, but I want you in my home, our home, as more than simply my lover.”

She smiled and let out a little laugh.

“When I asked you, I knew that I wanted to marry you but was afraid that it would be too big of a step for us at the time.”

“After spending the last three weeks traveling the country with you, I know it’s a step I want now. I don’t want to wait.”

I took a deep breath, and she nodded, encouraging me to continue.

“Chastity Rose—and yes—a little gay birdie told me that’s not only a pen name.”

She laughed and looked over my shoulder to where our families stood.

“Screw you, Miguel.” She scowled and pointed in his direction.

I laughed as I looked over my shoulder, and he was blowing her a kiss.

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