Page 65 of In the Shadows

I don’t think I’d ever hugged or been hugged this much in my life. And to look over and see Joey’s smile directed at me…Fuck… that alone made my life complete.

When all was said and done, Sal had picked up the tab and all but Joey and I headed out for some pasty white chick strange. Mickey surprised us by saying he had plans but everyone else was good to go.

On the way home, I thought I should clarify things to Joey, “Hey, babe?”

“Yeah,” he said, sleepily.

“I was planning a more elaborate proposal than that, so I’m sorry I don’t have a ring.” I grabbed his hand, bringing his knuckles to my lips and kissing them one by one.

“Oh, did you want to...” he trailed off.

“Fuck no, I’m not rescinding my proposal, but apologizing for not having a ring and making a more formal production of it.” Fuck, I hope he didn’t think I didn’t mean it. I totally meant it.

“No worries, then we get to pick them out together,” he mumbled, nodding off.

Fuck I loved that man. There were no limits to what I would do for him. I kept his hand in mine during the drive. Once home, I tucked my handsome fiancé into bed before curling up beside him and wrapping him in my arms.

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