Page 119 of Between Us

Why would I do it here? Today?

There’s no significance to the day other than I was feeling impatient. And in my mind, the clinic seemed… I don’t know, romantic and nostalgic. It’s the place we officially met and have spent so much of our time together. So many moments have happened in that building for us, both big and small.

But to propose here? God, it seems so silly now.

Adrian would’ve done something… more. Something better. I can’t even begin to imagine how he’d make it a true grand gesture.

Although he also took me to a little hole in the wall diner for our first date. And I’d never change that for anything in the world, not after knowing how special SunRay’s, and his grandparents, are to him.

So maybe this is perfect. And if anyone could see that, it’s Adrian.

As if my spiraling thoughts summoned him, a light tapping on my window pulls my attention to him, standing outside my car with a soft and loving, albeit curious quirk to his lips. My heart beats faster just at the sight of him—partly because I’m freaking out inside, and partly because that’s just what looking at Adrian does to me. It sends sparks through my blood while simultaneously calming my nervous system. He makes me feel alive yet safe.

“Storm Cloud?” he asks with the tilt of his head.

A little reluctantly, I get out of the car and stand in front of him. I open my mouth to say something, except no words come out. I’m speechless like a damn schoolgirl in front of her crush.

“Blake?” he asks slowly and tentatively now. “Are you okay? Are we okay?”

“Yes,” I breathe out quickly, finding my voice if only so I can banish all of his fears and anxieties, like he tries to do for me every day. “I just got back from your parents,” I start, and keep going before he can stop me. “Well, I talked to my parents first. Last night. Before I went to your apartment like usual. Then I texted your mom first thing this morning and asked if they’d have time to see me. She said yes.”

“Of course she did,” he adds quickly and surely.

“Yeah, she’s great. So is your dad. And apparently they think I’m great. Just like my parents think you’re great. So just a whole lot of greatness around here…” I trail off but as soon as he opens his mouth, so does my big fat one. “So I think we should just like, continue this greatness. Forever. Because I know I won’t want anyone else ever, and I don’t want to wait when it’s all so inevitable anyway.”

A hopeful smile blooms across his face. “Blake, prettiest girl in the whole world, are you… are you asking me to…?”

I nod, shallowly but quickly. “Yes, Adrian. I’m asking you to marry me. Not very well, butyeah. Because I love you so much. So much more than I ever even thought possible outside of movies and my own parents. Except you’re real, and mine, and I want to be with you forever.”

“Blake,” he starts, and even though I can see the smile on his lips, I worry what his answer will be.

“It probably seems crazy. I know that. Trust me,I know. And I mean, it doesn’t have to be forever if you don’t want it to be. Divorce is a thing, you know? So if you ever change your mind, you aren’t stuck with me. I want to be with you… Which I already said. But it’s true.”

Stepping into my space, he gently wraps a hand around the nape of my neck. “Are you seriously offering me a divorce at the same time you’re proposing to me?”

Shaking my head, I whisper, “No, I’m notofferingit. I’m reminding you that you have options.”

With a small smile, he leans down until our lips are almost brushing. “I don’t want options. I want you to be stuck with me forever. So, don’t expect me to be as selfless as you.”

“Really?” I murmur against his lips. “You don’t think I’m crazy?”

“No, I don’t. I think you’re perfect.” Closing the small distance, our lips press together, and he kisses me like it’s the first time.

Clumsily I take a small box out of the waistband of my tennis skirt, where I quickly hid it. I open it to show a simple white gold band. “It was on sale,” I admit with a rueful wince, “but I’ll get you something better in the future.”

Finally looking up at him, I see tears brimming, but the brightest, happiest smile I’ve ever seen too—and that’s saying something for Adrian, the man who smiles easily, and freely, and genuinely. “Nah, pretty girl, I’m going to buyyouthe best ring ever.”

Quickly, I place one hand on his chest and ask, “Are you mad that I proposed to you?”

“How could I be mad knowing my girl loves me just as much as I love her? I was gonna give you a year before I tied you to me forever.” He pulls the ring closer and looks at me like,what are you gonna do with it?

I gently pull it out and place it on his finger. “A year would’ve been way too long.”

“Thank God you’re less patient than me. You’ve been my girl for a while now, and as great as fiancée sounds, I don’t really want to wait for you to be my wife,” he shrugs, a little shyly.

“Let’s not wait then.” I sound super fucking eager because I am. “I don’t need anything fancy… as long as our families can be there, I don’t need anything else.”

“You tell me how soon Grady can get out here, and I’ll make it happen.”

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