Page 63 of The Obvious Check

Forever. A real family.

The idea latches onto me, sinking deep into a part of my brain I hadn’t really explored before since marriage never really crossed my mind. It always felt a little too far to ever think about, especially since I’m moving to Atlanta at the end of the year.

But for people who are in love… for people who reallywantit and are committed to each other, it makes sense. It’s not just a contract or obligation. It’s a choice to show up for someone, tohold them up when they can’t stand on their own, to be a team no matter what.

The idea is reckless. It’s ridiculous.

But for some reason, it makes perfect sense.

Before the coaches can get to Dash, I’m at his other side. “I’ll help,” I say to Scotty and pat Dash on the back. “Sorry about that, brother. I didn’t mean to do it, I promise.” And I didn’t.

I haven’t even had time to think about him and Madison since getting back from our last game.

“Whatever,” he grumbles. I know I’m going to have to make it up to him, but he won’t listen to any apologies now. Not that I blame him. It’s fine, though. While he’s simmering down, I have something else to sort out. Something far more important.

“Savannah?” I call into the apartment with a little packet burning in my pocket.

Nothing.

Where’s Stanley? Why isn’t he jumping up to see me?

“Stanley?” I call out, stepping farther into the apartment.

I stop in my tracks when I see them.

Fuck.Is this even real?

Savannah’s curled up and her body is tucked into the cushions while Stanley is sprawled across most of the couch, his head resting on her hip. His tail thumps lazily against a pillow, even in sleep, as if just being close to her makes him happy.

I can relate, bud.

The way the sunlight streams in through the window casts a warm glow across them, only confirming every thought I’ve had in my head since whacking Dash in the nuts. Yup. She belongs here. She’s mine and I need to make that official.

I step closer, doing my best not to disturb her as I pull out the packet from my back pocket. Unfortunately, Stanley gives me away. He lifts his head and reaches over Savannah to try to greet me.

“Cade?” Her voice is sexy, husky from sleep as she rubs her eyes. “Where am I?” When she realizes she’s on my couch, she sits up. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to fall asleep out here.”

It infuriates me how she feels like she has to constantly apologize for everything. She belongs here, and it’s time she realized that.

“Marry me.”

The words come out before I can think of a better way to phrase them.

Shit.

Have I already ruined this?

Savannah’s brows knit together, her nose scrunching, and she stares at me like I’ve lost my damn mind.

I haven’t.

If anything, this is the clearest my head has ever been.

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me.”

I rip open the packet, tossing the plastic wrapper aside as I drop onto one knee. Her eyes go impossibly wide as I take her hand and slip the deep purple ring pop onto her finger.

---