Page 129 of Used

“Marry me, Elsie.”

The only sound I can hear is blood rushing through my ears. Nothing else permeates the blur of thoughts and questions that run through my mind in that second.

When Marshall’s face starts to fall, I know I’ve fucked up.

“Yes!” I blurt out. “Yes. I’ll marry you.”

Just as fast as it faded, Marshall’s smile is back, even brighter than before.

“Yes?” He asks, pulling out the ring from the box and reaching for my left hand, which is thankfully free.

“Yes.” I sigh as he places the ring on my finger.

It feels so right to have it resting on my hand, and I can’t help but marvel at how perfect the ring is.

More though, I look up and can’t help but marvel at how perfect Marshall is.

“I’m sorry if I made you panic.” I cringe. “I just...”

“I know.” He says with a shrug. “It’s part of your charm.”

“No, Marshall.” I sigh.

“Oh no. You’re not taking it back already?”

I chuckle. “No. No, this time, you’re stuck with me.”

“Forever?”

“Yeah, sure.” I smile.

“Elsie...” He warns.

“Yes. Fine. Forever.” I laugh.

He rises up on his knees and gives me a passionate kiss before Bridgit starts squirming again.

“How soon before she can walk down the aisle?” I ask, looking down at our baby girl.

“If I have my way, never.” His face goes serious.

I laugh fully. “I meant at our wedding, silly.”

“Oh.” His face relaxes. “Oh. Okay. Yeah. I think it’s like after nine months?”

“Damn...” I say with a smirk. “I’m not sure I can wait that long. I guess someone will just have to carry our flower girl down the aisle.”

The way Marshall’s face lights up makes my whole damn week.

“Really?” He asks earnestly.

“Really,” I say with a smile.

“Okay. Okay. Cool.” He says, pulling himself up. “I’ll text Mamá, and I’m sure between her and my sisters, we can get something thrown together soon.”

“How does March sound?”

“March?”

“Yeah. Why not? It seems like a good time to renew your lease.” I joke.

“Oh. She’s got jokes now.” He mumbles. “Fucking roommate rules.”

“Hey. Those rules got you laid.” I say with a wink. “A lot.”

“No. Those rules got me you.”

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