Page 75 of Our Hearts to Break

“Take the first room on the right,” I say, pointing at the staircase. “There’s an ensuite bathroom in case he has to puke.”

Dean nods and mutters thanks, dragging Parker’s heavy body up the stairs with Ollie’s help. I doubt I will see them again, which is fine with me. The moment River gets home, I want him all to myself.

Epilogue

NATE

After I unpackthe last of my boxes, I sit on the veranda overlooking the water, a beer in hand, and lounging in a chair. This morning, I graduated from Kingston University. River stood in the stands with our parents, cheering when I stepped onstage to accept my diploma.

He’s so proud of me.

I’m proud of myself for crushing my classes and earning honors. But my real accomplishment is making it four months without River by my side. There were days when I thought I’d lose my mind and quit college to be near him.

I did it.

With Dr. Swanson’s help and my daily journal practice, I am on the path to recovery. I no longer act out when River is out of reach. Using positive coping mechanisms and breathing exercises, I have gotten a handle on my anxiety and all the fear that comes with it.

River opens the French door and steps outside. My heart races as our eyes lock.

Tonight is the night.

I feel it in my veins.

River is already on a high from the Islanders making the playoffs. I’m equally excited and ready to take our relationship to the next level.

He shuts the door and walks over to me, smiling as he sits on my lap. “Hey, babe.” River kisses my lips. “What are you doing out here?”

“Relaxing. Just taking in the scenery.”

A smile stretches across his face. “You can’t see much in the dark.”

“I can think of a few things we can do in the dark.”

I suck his bottom lip into my mouth, and then his tongue is in mine, and my fingers are tugging at the ends of his hair. He moans and slips his hands up my shirt, roaming over my stomach. I groan as his thumb massages my nipple.

I could kiss him all night, but with the nerves coursing through me, I can’t concentrate. So, I peel my lips from his. Breathing harder, he stares into my eyes.

I tap his ass. “Get up for a minute.”

He stands, and I get down on one knee, my hand shaking as I reach into my pocket. I’d planned to propose after I moved into the house. There’s no better time than right now.

River gasps. “Nate, what are you… Oh god. It’s happening. Isn’t it? Yes, yes, yes.”

I shake my head and laugh. “Would you let me ask you first before you say yes? I wrote a speech and everything.”

“Oh, right.” He laughs. “Yeah. Sorry.”

I show him the small black box in my palm and crack it open. His eyes widen at the band. Made from diamonds pressed under enormous pressure, the Elysium band is a solid black.

I remove the ring from the box and hold his hand. “Riv, I knew the day we met you would be important and that I had to pay attention. You brought me back to life on some of my worst days. All you had to do was smile… and somehow, I wasn’t lost anymore. I love you. And I want to show you how much every day of my life. Will you marry me?”

He wiggles his fingers. “Yes.”

I slide the ring in place, and he raises his hand to inspect it. “I love it. You did so good, babe.”

River drops to his knees and kisses me. I sweep him into my arms, our lips locked, and drag him to the outdoor daybed with a canopy. Moving onto my back, I unbutton my pants and shove them down my thighs with my boxers. I kick off my shoes and toss my clothes to the side.

He kneels between my legs and sucks the head of my cock into his mouth. River makes eye contact as he deepthroats me, teasing me with each carefully placed lick.

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