Page 149 of In the Air Tonight

He shakes his head. “No, you shouldn’t.”

“Jack, listen to me. This could get much worse before it gets better, and while I love the idea of running away to the Cape with you, we’d be leaving your home unprotected. If they’re watching me, by now they know that you mean something to me. I wouldn’t be able to bear it if they hurt you in any way.”

“It would hurt me if you left. I’ve waited my whole life to feel this way, Blaise.”

His sweetness is my undoing. Tears fill my eyes. “Me, too, but—”

He leans across the pillows to kiss me. “No buts. We’re in this together to the bitter end.”

“I don’t want the end to be bitter. That’s what I’m saying.”

“That’s a figure of speech, and you know it. I spoke to my friend Cory this morning, and he’s coming today to install cameras and a security system.”

“How much will that cost?”

“It’s worth every penny, and I’ve been meaning to do it for a while now anyway, especially since we now have guests here in the summer.” He caresses my face. “I don’t want you to worry about anything where I’m concerned.”

“I am worried. This could go on for months.”

“Does that mean you’re planning to be here for months? Maybe years or decades?”

“I’m being serious.”

“So am I. If I could have anything I wanted, I’d want you to stay forever.”

“It’s like that, is it?” I ask, smiling. He can make me forget all my worries and fears like no one else ever has.

“It’s been like that for a while now, in case you haven’t noticed.”

“I’ve noticed.”

“So what do you say?”

“What’s the question again?”

“Would you please stay forever and make my life complete?”

I shocked nearly speechless. “Uh… Is that like a…um…proposal?” Does my voice sound high and squeaky, or is that just me?

Laughing, he says, “Not quite yet. It’s more of a statement of intention.” He kisses me. “When I propose, it’ll be a heck of a lot more romantic than sitting in bed with coffee.”

“That’s pretty romantic if you ask me. No one has ever brought me coffee in bed before.”

“If I promise to do that every day for the rest of your life, will you consider sticking around?”

“Yes.”

His eyes go wide, which makes me laugh. “That’s all it takes?”

“Yep.”

“You’re easy.”

“That’s what you like about me.”

“I like so many things about you it would take the whole day to tell you all of them.”

“I’m free all day.”

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