Page 66 of Matched

He reaches up to place his hand against my cheek. I put my hand over his and hold it there. I have missed his touch so much.

“While I was at training, I met with my dad.”

I suck in a sharp breath. I just can’t believe it. That is such a huge step for him.

“We reconnected finally, in person. And it was really good to see him. We talked for a while and patched things up.”

I step into his space and wrap my arms around him, gripping him with all my strength. He really does seem happier. Each of these changes is going to be so good for him, and they will really help him heal.

“It was all because of you,” he whispers in my ear. “I made that appointment with the counselor because you helped me understand that I needed assistance in processing my grief. And I am also rebuilding the relationship with my dad. I am a better son, and SEAL, because of you. I am a better lover”—he pauses momentarily to waggle his eyebrows at me—“because of you. You have made my life more meaningful and greater in more ways than I can count.”

My lips part and I let out the breath I had been holding. I relax into his body as tears stream down my face. “Tony, all I wanted to do was be a good wife and show you how much you deserve love, even if I was a little annoyed to be matched with you at first.” I lean away for a second to glare at him. “And I definitely did not let you into my bedroom just because you helped pay the rent.”

He ducks his head in shame and then meets my eyes. “I know. That was just a convenient excuse to help convince myself that running was the best plan.”

“Just don’t let it happen again.”

“Deal.”

I soften as I search his contrite face. “I am so happy you finally understand how good things can be with your family, with work, within yourself. I love you, Tony.”

“I love you too.” He reaches into his pocket and takes out a blue velvet box and gets down on one knee. “Will you marry me, Inara? I want you to be my wife not because some program paired us up, but because I cannot imagine my life without you in it.”

“Yes! Of course!” I kneel to meet him and plant my coral lips on his, as I press my body into him as much as I possibly can in this position. I want every piece of me to be touching him right now. I am overwhelmed with happiness, like a champagne bottle about to burst. But then he pushes me away gently and I glance at him, confused.

“Wait. I jumped the gun.” He pulls us to our feet and then reaches into his pocket and pulls out folded pieces of paper. “Read this.”

Biting my lip, I take the papers from his hands, open them up, and start to skim. I get to the end with my heart pounding. Words like transfer of ownership and my address and my landlord’s name and a startling sum of money. “I don’t understand. Is this a deed? To my duplex?”

He reaches into his pocket, withdraws his reading glasses, and wiggles them in front of my face with a grin. “Looks like maybe you need a pair of these too. But yes. Your deed. I bought the building for you. No strings attached. No matter what decision you make about our relationship, the place is yours. I figured that was the least I could do for acting like such a jackass. Plus, even if we don’t work out, I don’t want you to worry about rent anymore.”

My eyes flood with tears. “Tony, you didn’t have to—”

He cuts me off by pressing his lips to mine. “I love you so much, Inara. Please let me show it.”

My heart is so full, it’s in danger of bubbling over. But before I can jump back into his arms, Tony takes my hand and slides the ring onto my finger. It’s white gold with a halo of tiny, yet perfect, diamonds. Then he kisses me and, while still holding my hand, leads us back into the restaurant where everyone greets us with confetti and shouts of congratulations. I look around at all my friends, the people I care about. This is more than I could have ever dreamed of.

Guess the Issued Partner Program committee really did know what they were doing.

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