Page 144 of Love is a Game

I take a deep breath from the very soles of my feet upward, as if I’m about to jump off this cliff and plunge into the waters below. My body braced, my heart pounding.

“Tuck. I want…I want to know if—”

His head inclines, eyes unblinking, the pressure of his hand intensifying, like he’s poised for impact right alongside me.

“If you’ll…” My voice falters, and I’m forced to strive deeper.

At last, it comes in a rush.

“I want to marry you, Tuck. I want us to get married.”

He lets out a stunned laugh, dragging a hand down his face.

“Geezus, Pen—if anyone had told me this morning I’d be engaged by sunset—” He shakes his head in wonder, reaches for me.

But I hold up a hand, halting his progress.

“I don’t think you understand.”

He blinks, uncomprehending. “Didn’t you just say you want us to get ‘married’?”

“Yes.Married. Not engaged,” I say firmly. “Tuck. I’m asking you to marry me—today! Right here. Right now. That’s what all this is. That’s why everyone’s here.”

I watch his expression, realization dawning slowly as I hurriedly press on.

“You saw John, right? Mom’s old boss. He’s here with his wife, Sheila. She’s a marriage celebrant, Tuck! She can marry us right away. My dress?” I gesture down. “This is the dress I want to marry you in. I’ve got the borrowed—Mom’s lace doily as the pocket. My blue is the satin underwear I’m wearing.” I grin through the rush of nerves and forge onward.

“Maybe you want a prenup? John’s already drafted one. I got the marriage licence—Susan dug up your birth certificate, and I had the photo of your driver’s license from when we rented the car. We sign. We marry. We celebrate with the people we love. Then we go home tonight—married. And…maybe start practicing making babies.”

I laugh, and it trembles with nerves and joy and my own daring.

“Tuck, I know it’s totally crazy, and you probably—”

I’m suddenly silenced by his finger pressing firmly to my lips.

Then I’m in his arms, wrapped in warmth and certainty, his mouth finding mine with a hunger that answers every question I didn’t ask aloud.

“Hey!” Brady’s voice breaks through. “Is that ayes?!”

I blink my eyes open just in time to see Tuck flash a thumbs-up toward the crowd—his other hand still cradling my face, his lips brushing mine again as cheers erupt below.

And the joyful sound echoes off the cliffs, drifts over the water, gets carried on the wind, up into the mountains…like a promise of the future—of happiness—cast into the world.

Chapter 42

Tuck

The altar is a rocky ledge; the décor a smattering of folding chairs beneath a canopy of branches.

Wildflowers tucked into mason jars. Sunshine filtering through the trees in golden ribbons. And behind us, a backdrop straight out of a wilderness guidebook: granite boulders softened by moss, lake water so clear it reflects the sky like glass, and mountains standing sentinel in the distance.

And the music? Not a string quartet or pre-set playlist—just the symphony of this place. Birds trading verses in the trees. Wind rustling through leaves. The soft, steady hush of water meeting shore.

It’s not grand. It’s not choreographed. But it’s perfect.

Just like her.

The girl who used to beat me at debate club and steal the best treats in my lunchbox. The woman who inspired me to strive to be better. To win at life just to impress her. Who, from day one, turned my whole damn world on its axis. Who’s scared of being broken but brave enough to stand here, heart open, asking me to build something permanent.

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