Page 38 of Protecting Paul

I see his eyes widen when I pull the small velvet box out of my pocket. I kneel down on one knee, the soft grass cushioning it. I take a deep breath before continuing.

“Paul Boyd, will you marry me?” I’m almost sure he’ll say yes, but it’s different in the moment. I open the box, revealing the simple ring Mark helped me choose.

“Holy shit…”. I can’t help but laugh. “Of course, I will, dummy. You didn’t need to be all formal about it.”

“Yes!” I pump a fist in the air and stand up. I slip the ring onto his ring finger before wrapping him in a tight hug. I kiss him as if my life depends on it. “Oh my god, I’m so happy.”

I twirl around, still hugging him against me. His laughter fills the air and sounds beautiful. I stop my spinning, setting him back on the ground.

“Jesus, Sammy,” Paul laughs again, stroking his hands through my hair. “You almost smushed me to death before we had the chance to start planning the wedding.”

“I couldn’t help it,” I admit, kissing his forehead then his cheek then his lips. I want to kiss every inch of him and intend to later when we get home. “I just love you so goddamn much.”

“I know, Sammy. You tell me every day,” Paul smirks. “I bet you’ll say it a dozen times in your vows.”

“You know I will, sweetheart.” He’s right, too. I could never tell him I love him too much. I don’t want him to question it again. “I love you more than anything.”

“I love you, Sammy,” Paul says in a deep, sexy voice. “But if you don’t get me home so we can celebrate our engagement, I’m going to be pissed.”

I grab his hand instantly. We jog through the wooded area. The smiles never leave our faces. True to my promise, I spend the rest of the night kissing him all over. I would say it’s a happy ending, but it’s only the beginning.

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