Page 12 of Kissing the Grump

His eyes are tearing up, and it gives me strength to continue. “I knew you'd mess me up in some way from the second I saw you. There was some pull I couldn't explain, and then the universe seemed to see it fit to keep drawing us together. Avoiding you didn't work. Distracting myself from thinking about you didn't work. And now I know why. You were made for me, and I'm hoping I was made for you. This feels right.” I take another deep breath. “It feels more right than anything I've ever experienced.”

We'd talked long ago about my history with my ex, and Elliot had been understanding. But that relationship had never felt the way it did with Elliot. Not even close.

“I never want to let that go,” I continue. “You make my life better, and I want to spend forever trying to make you as happy as you make me.”

“You make me stupidly happy,” Elliot interrupts with his voice shaking.

I smile as I open the box, revealing the platinum band. “Then marry me. Let's do this thing forever.”

He bites his lip as he smiles. “Who'd have thought my first and last kiss would be with the grump from the coffee shop who tried to ruin my morning.”

“I was such a dick.” I laugh. “But is that a yes? I need the word.”

“Yes. That is most definitely a yes.” He nods as I take his hand and slip the ring from the box and onto his finger.

I'm not sure what I did to earn this man's love, but I'll spend the rest of my life trying to keep it and make sure he feels just as loved.

“Kiss me, Forrest Grump,” he demands with a grin.

“For the rest of our lives,” I promise.

The End

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