Page 100 of Zone Protection

“That’s it, baby. Come for me.” My own orgasm erupts, and I pump into her harder.

“Fuck, Arch. That was the best cuddle we’ve ever had.” Then she bursts out laughing, which makes me laugh.

After our breathing calms from our orgasms and laughing, I pull out. “I guess we should get cleaned up. Mama should have some food put out for everyone soon, if not already. I saw my dad go into the house from the barn around six a.m., so she’s probably on breakfast, round two. And I have no doubt she’s offered those news crews food too.”

“Okay, babe. Let’s get moving. My parents are probably waiting for me too. They aren’t used to all this noise. Which I say with love.” She laughs. “What time is Scott going to be here?”

She shifts and moves her legs to the edge of the bed andstands. Her arms lift in a stretch above her head, and I stare in awe at this beauty that’s mine.

When I don’t reply, she turns to face me. “Arch. Focus. Scott?”

“I can’t help it, darlin’. You’re just too pretty.”

I move off the bed and wrap my arms around her waist. Her belly is getting bigger and rests between us. I lean in to kiss her and feel a swift kick from her belly.

“Nugget is excited for today too, I think.” She brushes her hand over her stomach.

“Nugget is about to be a very spoiled baby with all the money Daddy is about to get, so I would be excited too,” I grumble into her neck.

“All right, hotshot, let’s get ready, but don’t distract me with your big peen. We have to get going.”

I reach down and tap her between the legs with the head. “This big peen?”

“Archie, seriously.” She pushes me away.

“Okay, okay. Let’s get going.”

While we get ready, I think about what part this draft plays in our future. Then I think about us, the baby. All of it. This life we’re going to be living together as a family, and I feel a sense of urgency to make it official.

After I put my best jeans, shirt, and boots on, I grab my phone and my girl’s hand. “Let’s roll, baby.”

A few thoughts on how to propose run through my mind. Maybe I should take her back to Walker since that’s where we met. Or maybe I should wait until the baby is born and propose with our little nugget in the room. I can’t decide. Yet, now, with her hand in mine as we walk on my parents’ ranch, a strong wave of serenity weaves through my bones, and I know this moment is the right one.

“Emma, stop.”

“What’s wrong? Did you forget something?”

I grab her hands in mine and pull her in closer. “No, I didn’t forget something. Or, well, shit. I guess I did.” Fuck. A ring.

“Okay, we can go back and get it.”

She tries to let go of my hand to start walking, but I hold on tighter.

“No, darlin’. I didn’t forget something at the house. I just want to tell you that you being here with me today is more special than me actually getting drafted because I feel like I’ve already gotten the best of this life. You are everything to me, Em. Every. Thing. Over football, all of it. And I don’t want to do anything in this life without you by my side.” I drop to one knee.

“Archie, oh my God. What are you doing?” she cries, but has a watery smile on her face.

“Emma Grace Tucker, love of my life, mother of my baby, I would be honored if you would agree to be my wife. I love you, baby. I love you so much. Will you marry me?”

“Yes! Yes, I’ll marry you! I love you so much!” She pulls me up and wraps her arms around my neck and kisses me.

This kiss is a promise. This kiss is a symbol of our commitment to each other and the love we feel. It’s tender and sweet, and I don’t want it to end.

She breaks the kiss first. “We’d better get inside. I can see the family watching out the window. They’ll come out here if we don’t get in there.”

I look over at the house and see the family, my mom literally bouncing up and down. “Okay, so I don’t have a ring yet, but I’ll get you one first chance I get.” I give her one more kiss before we start walking.

“Ha! Okay, babe. Now, let’s go!” She leans up and kisses my cheek.

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