Page 62 of The Shadow

“Someone is extra attentive.” She laughs as she picks up our empty plates to take them to the dishwasher.

It’s true, I haven’t been able to keep my hands off her since making the decision to propose to her. It’s all I can think about in this moment, but I wanted to wait until we were settled into our evening routine. I know how important routine is to Aspen; it’s been crucial in her recovery and acceptance of everything that has happened.

“I just missed you today,” I whisper, nuzzling her ear for a few more seconds.

“I missed you too.” She twists in my arms, her hands looping around my neck.

“How about you go put on your comfortable clothes while I make you a cup of your favorite tea.” I kiss her forehead, letting my lips linger a few seconds longer than normal.

“I need more kisses,” she pouts, looking up at me. I trace a trail of kisses down her forehead to her nose and then her lips.

“There will be plenty more waiting for you, along with your favorite chocolate soufflé from that bakery you love on the corner.

“Oh, a sweet treat!” Her eyes light up and she releases my neck, turning to scurry off to our room to change.

I take the opportunity to run back downstairs where the soufflés I ordered from my phone are about to be dropped off.

“You like fancy French chocolate things, Marcus?” His head perks up when I open the box to show him what’s inside.

“You had me at chocolate.” He practically drools when I lift one of the pastries from the box and hand it to him. “Oh boy, my wife is gonna be on me for this.” He laughs. “What’s the occasion?”

“I’ll tell you if you can solve this riddle.” He smiles around a wide bite of the soufflé. “What’s round with a diamond and goes on a woman’s finger?” His eyes grow wide, his jaw stops chewing, and I swear there are tears in his eyes already. He struggles to swallow down his half-chewed bite as I finish walking toward the elevator. “I’ll let you know what she says.”

“Congratulations!” he yells as the doors cut him off.

I place the soufflé on a small plate next to her tea just as she walks back into the kitchen.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so excited.” She rubs her hands together before taking a big bite. “I dream about these things.” She groans around a mouthful of chocolate.

I sit on the chair next to her. "Hey," I say softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I've been thinking a lot lately.”

She looks at me, curiosity in her eyes. "About what?”

"About us," I begin, taking her hand in mine. "About how much you've changed my life, how you've made me realize what it means to truly love someone. I can't imagine my life without you, Aspen.”

Her eyes widen slightly, and she sets her tea down, giving me her full attention. "I feel the same way," she whispers, a hint of emotion in her voice.

I reach into my pocket, feeling the small velvet box that's been burning a hole in it since I left the gym. My heart pounds in my chest as I pull it out and open it, revealing the ring inside.

"Aspen," I say, my voice steady but filled with emotion, "will you marry me?”

Tears well up in her eyes as she looks at the ring, then back at me. For a moment, time seems to stand still, and then she nods, a radiant smile spreading across her face.

"Yes," she whispers, her voice choked with emotion. "Yes, I'll marry you.”

I slip the ring onto her finger, my hands trembling slightly, and then I pull her into my arms. The world around us fades away, and it's just us, in our perfect, intimate moment. Jimmy was right. This is exactly how it was meant to be. No grand gestures, no elaborate plans. Just a pure, heartfelt proposal, filled with love and sincerity.

As we sit there, wrapped in each other's arms, I know this is just the beginning of our incredible journey together. And I couldn't be more excited to start this new chapter with the woman I love more than anything in the world.

Chapter 23

Aspen

“They found him?”

“They sure did.” Lyra smiles lazily at me from across the table.

“Is he alive?” I’ve practiced this response a few times.

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