Page 43 of Embracing Easy

He reaches into his cut pocket and pulls out a simple black box.

“Then marry me.” Flipping the top open he shows me the stunning vintage ring. Tears blur my vision as I look from the ring to his face.

“You sure you want to be stuck with me?” I ask, only half-joking.

His free hand cups my face, thumb brushing away a tear. “I’ve fought wars, stared death in the face, but the thought of losing you? That scares the fuck out of me. So yeah, baby. I’m sure Iwant to be stuck with you. In this lifetime and every one that follows.”

“Then yes,” I breathe, throwing my arms around his neck. “Yes, yes, yes.”

The sound of cheering erupts from the doorway, and I turn to find our entire family watching, phones raised, capturing our moment.

“About damn time!” G calls out, raising her glass.

Shawn slides the ring onto my finger before pulling me in for a kiss that promises forever. When we break apart, I'm laughing through my tears as the old ladies surge forward, hugging me and lifting my hand to admire the ring.

Later that night, when it’s just the two of us curled up in our bed, I trace the lines of Shawn’s chest as he runs his fingers through my hair.

“What are you thinking about?” he asks.

I prop myself up on an elbow, studying his face in the moonlight. “About how sometimes the worst things in our lives lead us to the best things. If John hadn't cheated, if Randall hadn't scammed me... I never would have found you.”

“Hate that Brodrick got scooped up by the feds before I could get my hands on him,” he grumbles, pulling me closer.

I roll my eyes and laugh. “So you’ve said, honey. But look on the bright side. At least Dex got my money back.”

“This is true.”

Before I drift off to sleep, safe in my man's arms, I send up a prayer to the gods for leading me here.

THE END

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