Page 100 of Feel Free to Scream

“Well, yes.” She doesn't hesitate. “But you're…you. You have tons of options. Girls. Models who’d kill to be with you.”

“So do you. You had Noah. Plenty of guys are sniffing around.”

More than I’d like. Hence the ring.

“Youknowwhat I mean,” she counters, starting to pace.

“I don't.”

I understand that her response has everything to do with her lack of confidence, and nothing to do with me. She said “well, yes.” She knows she wants me. Which is why this conversation is going to end very soon, with my ring on her finger and my cock in her ass.

“Claire, I have a lot more dating experience than you do. Trust me, Iknow. I've always made it quite clear I see a future with you.”

“You weren't joking?” Her voice is half a whisper. “About all of that, and the kids?”

“Well, I don’ttrulywant an actual dozen. Six, however…”

“We said four.”

“To be debated.” And I’ll win. “Don't worry, I'm in no rush. You've just started college; I have my residency in a few years. And I intend to befullyinvolved when we decide it’s the right time for children. But I want the world to know who you belong to. As soon as possible.”

Today, if it were doable.

“It’s too soon,” I agree. “But Claire, our relationship isn’t balanced. You will never fully trust me until there’s a ring on your finger saying that it’s forever—or that I would owe you enough to take care of you if somehow we grew apart. This is your security blanket. And the reason I do it is to tell every asshole in and out of town that you’re mine.”

She’s stopped pacing, but still too stunned to respond.

I try to explain my need to get this written in stone. “My mother doesn’t build relationships. She actively avoids it. And my father still hasn’t found someone to hold on to, although he yearns for that. It’s just sad. I know there’s something unique, completely different from the usual level of chemistry and compatibility between us, and I choose to commit to you. So when I say marry me, I mean, choose me back.”

“I—of course, I choose you. But are you really sure? Really sure you want me? That you won’t think you made the wrong choice tomorrow?”

Oh, silly little ghost.

“I’m a Keller, love. I’m never wrong. I’ll ask again. Try a one-word answer this time.”

“Technically, you never asked,” the smartass points out.

“Whatever. Marry me.”

She doesn’t say no.

EPILOGUE

KELLER

“You’re back!” Octavia screams, bouncing to the driveway in her old, ratty unicorn T-shirt.

It’s still her favorite after ten years. She doesn’t care that it absolutely no longer fits.

"Vivi, go wear something that covers your navel,” I groan at the teen.

She sticks her tongue out at me. “You’re not my dad, Da!”

“I’m the guy who can convince your mom you’re mature enough for a car this year or not,” I remind her sneakily.

Claire bumps my shoulder more viciously than she should. “Leave her alone. You look great, Octavia. You’re at home and comfortable. Nothing wrong with that.”

I grin at her. I know she’s only siding with my niece because she’s annoyed with me.

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