Page 160 of Mended Hearts

“Well, that would be unfortunate. Because I’m halfway to a decent speech.” I reached into my pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. Her breath caught. “Now wait,” I said. “It’s not what you think it is.”

In the back of my mind, I could practically hear a goddamn chicken squawking at me in mockery.

“Leighton Alexandra Rhodes—you're the woman I’m going to marry. Someday.Somehow. I will earn the right to be your husband. I’ll convince you to let me be your plus one, for always. I’ve been in love with you since you first marched into my life, and I’ve only fallen deeper with every layer of you I peel apart.” When she waggled her brows, I just grinned. “Yes, that way, too.Focus.”

“I’m focused,” she whispered, eyes shining.

“Really?”

“No, I’m actually freaking out on the inside.”

“Brownie points for still dancing.”

“Thank you. Glad you noticed.”

“Of course I did. I’m freaking out too.”

That earned a broad smile, and she rose onto her tiptoes to steal a kiss. “You don’t look it.”

“An arduously acquired deceptive calm.”

“Well done.”

“Thank you.Focus.”

“Right.”

She wiggled nervously, and I had to fight the urge to laugh.

“I told you we’re doing this at your pace. That hasn’t changed, baby. Because I had this ring in my pocket the day you told me you were pregnant.”

Eyes watering, she grinned mischievously. “You’re insane.”

“It wasn’t forthat exactmoment, for fuck’s sake.”

“Right. Carry on.”

“Right.” I gave her a pointed look. “It was for when we were ready.”

“Which was not during an existential crisis.”

“Correct. But now we’re here.”

“Now we’re here,” she echoed, glancing up at the twinkle lights with a soft smile.

“And I’m just a man, standing in front of his woman, begging her…to think about it.”

“What?” She laughed, a rapid strobe of emotion flashing across her face.

“Yep. That’s it. Just… think about it, Leigh. Because I’ve already made up my mind, and I’ll wait as long as you need.”

“Ten years.”

“Fine.”

“Thirty.”

“I hope I’m a sexy silver fox, or you’re out of luck.”

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