Page 50 of Weston

He hesitated, tracing his fingers along her arm and over the edge of the bandage. “I can’t believe you’re really here,” he admitted in a hushed tone, reverently brushing her hair back off her face. “A part of me is terrified I’m only dreaming and I’m going to wake up and you’re going to be gone.”

She pushed up on her elbow and gave him her fiercest look. “I’m not going anywhere, Weston. Not ever again. So you better get that through your thick skull.” Her voice softened and she laid a palm against his very beloved face. “For better or worse, you’re stuck with me, my love.”

“Thank God,” he whispered. “And it’s all for the better.”

Then he kissed her all over again.

Chapter Twenty

Having Ellie back with him, right where she belonged, made Wes the happiest man in the world. A million times over. For the next ten days, they didn’t leave the house. Hell, they’d barely left the bed. But they needed that precious time to reconnect, refuel and renew their relationship. As impossible as it seemed, their connection felt even stronger than before. The love he had for this amazing woman was so deep, so all-consuming, that it went beyond time and space and any logical explanation.

All he knew for certain was Elizabeth Marie Murphy was his other half.

Their love was unconditional and unwavering and, somehow, they’d managed to forge through the deepest parts of hell and find each other all over again. It was a miracle and a blessing. One he couldn’t quite wrap his head around, but one he would spend the rest of his days being grateful for.

Corey and his team had been calling the last few days, demanding they stop having sex long enough to make an appearance at Old Glory. Wes knew they had to go or else someone would decide to come over and check up on them. He’d just pulled into the bar’s graveled lot, parked and turned to face Ellie. He had a surprise for her and wanted to give it to her before they went inside.

When she reached out and laid a hand over his, he knew she felt his nerves. Their emotional connection was deep, completely effortless. “What’s going on in that handsome, silver-threaded head of yours?”

He chuckled then took a deep breath. “Do you remember when I proposed to you?”

A smile broke out over her face. “You proposed to me with a piece of candy.” She twined her fingers through his as he nodded. “We were so young and had nothing. You knelt down in front of me, and said, ‘Marry me, Elizabeth Marie Wright.’ And I said yes and split the candy with you.”

“Even though we only had that one piece, I told you we could build an entire life together and one day have more.”

“Have everything,” she finished. “Including endless bowls of jelly beans as far as the eye could see.”

He chuckled then instantly sobered again.

“I’ve tried to give you everything. Maybe I couldn’t always, but I’ve tried every single day since you said yes, Ellie. Seeing you happy means the world to me. It’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

He reached into his pocket and removed a small velvet box.

“I have something for you. I just hope you like them.”

Ellie’s eyes widened, curiosity swimming in their depths.

“I hate that your wedding rings were taken, so I got you a new set.”

“When did you do this?”

“Corey helped me. I gave him implicit instructions, a description of what your old rings looked like and sent a picture of what I wanted. I may have upgraded by several carats.” He opened the box to reveal a glittering square-cut diamond in an antique setting along with a matching wedding band. “If you don’t like them, we can go pick out—”

“I love them,” she whispered, leaning in to better see the diamond rings. “They’re stunning.”

Wes removed the rings and Ellie lifted her hand. Very carefully, he slid both of them onto her left ring finger. A perfect fit.

“I never wanted you to regret telling me yes,” he said.

“Never,” she whispered, taking his hands in hers and squeezing. “How is it possible for one man to be so incredibly amazing?”

Wes’ mouth edged up. “I’m the lucky one.”

“We’re both lucky,” she amended. “So damn lucky.”

Their mouths crashed against each other’s and things heated up fast. Just as Wes was contemplating a quickie in the backseat, a knock on the driver’s side window made them jump apart.

“C’mon, you two kids,” Lex interrupted with a laugh. “Everyone’s waiting for you inside and you’re out here making out like a couple of horndogs.”

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