Page 152 of Endgame

Or maybe I honor my Mom and turn it into a library…

Allowing him to lead the way, I clasp my hands tightly with his and follow as Cal guides us to our master bedroom.

There’s nothing but a king-sized mattress on the floor. We couldn’t wait to move in and start putting everything together. With or without furniture, this is our home, and we wanted to celebrate.

The light from the windows cast rays of sunshine onto the bright white walls. The natural light highlights Callaway’s profile, only enhancing his rigid handsomeness with ease.

He’s a sight for sore eyes and all mine.

God, I love him.I adore him the same way I did the day we met.

He ushers me to sit on the mattress. Our bright white sheets are ruffled from last night's shenanigans, stealing my attention while I feel him sit beside me.

His large hands grab mine as I tune out any distractions around us. It’s easy to focus on him and me.

“I need you to let me say everything I need to before you react, sweetheart.”

I’m nodding, trying my best to figure out what’s happening.

“I love you. You know this; it’s no secret. When wefirst met, I told you that marriage and a family were my goals, and that I wouldn't stray from them. You have become so much more to me than I ever planned for. I want you to be my wife, Dakota. Now, I know how much you would hate a public proposal, and the intimacy of our relationship is what matters most to me. I figured why not ask you the most important question of our lives before we christen the place where those lives will be built and founded? So baby, will you? Will you marry me and give me all the foster babies? I promise to love you through the thick of it.”

Tears. So many tears invade my eyes, my heart, and my soul. My love for this man is bursting at the seams. “Yes. My answer will always be yes. I can’t wait for all the babies, dogs, and a turtle with you.”

“Turtles?” I can’t believe I never told him.

Giggling, I explain, “I’ve always wanted a turtle. I never got one as a child, and now that I’m a fully grown woman with a fully grownfiancéand a fully grown house—I’m getting my turtle.”

I love that he doesn’t argue and doesn’t seem to care because he knows it will make me happy. I hope to do the same thing for him for the rest of our lives together.

I throw my arms around his neck, kissing him until our lips swell. A forever with him doesn’t seem so scary after all. “I do have one condition, though.” He’s laughing because I’m anything, if not predictable.

“You and your conditions.”

“We elope next weekend. Just us—plus your family, my maid of honor, and your best man. Oh my gosh, I get to have a maid of honor! Wait, can we elope to Saint Simons?”

I’m squealing with excitement.

“If that’s what you want, baby. But I was kind of thinkingof Fiji instead? You deserve more than that. We can plan the details later. I figured you’d want to put your ring on first.”

Callaway holds out a black velvet box and instructs me with his eyes to open it.

Mother of pearl.I’m losing it. “Of course. Oh goodness, Cal. It’s beautiful.”

I’m staring at the most breathtaking gold engagement band, enhanced with a single, five-karat, oval solitaire diamond. He slides the ring on my finger—it’s the perfect symbol of our love for each other.

I’m not sure I deserve a ring of this caliber, but I couldn’t love it more. It’s simple, elegant, and represents a love to last a lifetime.

“I have to call Navy!”

I rush off to grab my phone before he can stop me, returning with it to where he’s seated and quickly dialing her number.

Cal’s chuckling warms me because I know he expected that and secretly loves how much I care about his sister.

“Hello?” She better perk up because I have news, and we have plans to make.

“Navy…Callaway and I are engaged!” I’m crying more than I knew possible. Everything with him seems to bring out all my emotions.

Navy’s squeal is deafening, causing Cal to jump from the piercing sound echoing through the phone. “It’s about time my big brother grew some balls and popped the question. I’m so happy for both of you! You're welcome for introducing the two of you.”

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