Page 195 of When Hearts Remember

“I love you, Ethan. I-I fell in love with you twice—all those years ago, and again after I lost my memories. I love you so much.” Alexis gasps when we break apart for air. Her lips are swollen and plump, and my heart skips a beat.

“Not as much as I love you.” I press another kiss on those pouty lips.

I brush her hair away from her face, watching a new flush bloom on her cheeks.

There’s still something I need to do.

Slowly, I drop to my knees and pull out the ring box from my jacket pocket. I had it with me because I knew I wanted to give it to her tonight, if she’d still have me—fears, scars, and all.

Her eyes widen and her hand flies to her mouth.

“Lexy, my Nova, my darling hummingbird and dreamer.” My voice is rusty with emotions as I utter the words I was afraid I wouldn’t get to say again. “I’ve loved you since you barreled into me on the doorsteps of this building, and I’ve fallen deeper and deeper in love with you with every letter you’ve written and every moment we’ve shared. Because ofyou, I realize I’m capable of love. Because of you, I’m the luckiest man on earth.”

Raking in a shaky breath, I continue, “I’ve loved you for a decade and will love you for all the years to come. I can’t imagine life without you. Will you take me as I am—scars and all? I can’t promise you I’ll never be afraid, that I won’t be overprotective or overbearing, but I’ll work on it, with you by my side, if you’ll have me.”

I open the lid of the box and reach for her hand. A lump forms in my throat. “My supernova, will you marry me?”

A ragged sob escapes her lips and she nods. Vehemently. “Yes! Yes, I’ll marry you. I’ll marry you a thousand times.”

My heart bursts with light, elation rushing through my veins.

My hands tremble as I slip the ring onto her finger. She falls into my arms, pressing unending kisses on my lips.

“I’ve waited a long time to hear your answer, Lexy.” I close my eyes, clutching her tightly. “A very, very long time.”

“I love you. I love you. I love you, Ethan.” She kisses me over and over again.

We finally pull apart and look at each other—our faces a mess of tears and clumps of snow sticking to our hair.

I lift my finger and graze it down the bridge of her nose, and I smile.

“Not as much as I love you, Lexy.Neveras much as I love you.”

Epilogue

Six Months Later: Ten Years After the Accident—Thirty Years Old

“And now, you maykiss the bride,” the officiant exclaims, and steps to the side. The small crowd of our family and closest friends cheers and claps in the background.

True to our personalities, we wanted something small. No press. No pomp and circumstances. Just him and me and our loved ones in the hidden courtyard at Ravenswood, with the lush green leaves of the weeping beech tree swinging to the summer breeze.

I like to think the tree is weeping with joy today.

Ethan stares at me, a small grin tipping his lips, a lock of hair grazing his eyebrow. Butterflies flap their wings inside me and I fight the urge to rip off the small veil I have on and throw myself at him.

His startling eyes skate over my simple white sheath dress and linger on my lips—the ruby red, the only pop of color I have on today. He slowly lifts my veil and drapes it over my head.

“Hello, Mrs. Anderson,” he murmurs, his raspy voice sending shivers down my spine.

“You better kiss me soon, Mr. Anderson, or I won’t be responsible for my actions.”

He throws his head back and barks out a loud laugh.

“Nova, you make me so happy,” he murmurs and clasps his hand around my nape, his other arm sliding around my waist and yanking me to him in one smooth, powerful motion.

My secret alpha. The possessive streak inside him.

All my erogenous regions light up.

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