Page 123 of His Last Shot
And I’m not sure my heart can take it.
The box creaks on its hinges, and the floor beneath my feet bottoms out. A massive, and I meanmassive,oval-shaped diamond shines back at me, practically blinding me with its brilliance.
Holy sh—Language, Rachel!
Honestly, I’m not a jewelry girl. But I will definitely wear this!
My hand shoots up, covering my mouth as I raise my head, and there, on one knee in the center of the dance floor, is the only man who has ever held my heart.
“Rachel, I have a question to ask you,” he says with his usual swagger and smirk, yet a hint of nerves peeks through.
Pretty sure I’m having a heart attack. Or maybe I’m in knee-crippling shock because I’m not sure my legs will carry me over to him, but somehow, they do, and before I know it, I’m standing right in front of him.
“Johnny.” My voice shrinks to nothing.
Oh, my God, this is really happening.
Ever since that night in my living room after washing my hair, when he kissed me until I forgot where I was, I have wanted this moment.
“Rachel, you know how much I love you.”
I nod as my eyes mist at the sight of him, down on one knee for me.
“So instead of repeating those eight letters to you, I want to make you some promises. Eight of them, one for each letter.”
“Okay,” I say with a smile, ready for his words to encompass me like a blanket.
He looks up at me, his eyes filling with tears as he begins. “Rachel, I promise to wash your hair if you can’t do it yourself. I’ll give you the Johnny special. A scalp and neck massage that ends with a kiss.” I giggle through my tears. “I promise to somehow, someway, make you laugh every single day. How you just did.” He pauses. “I promise to never let fear come in between us again.” A sob sits in my chest as my attention remains on him. Alwayshim.
“I promise to always dance with you, even when we are old and gray. I promise to finish that pool lesson we started the night you ended up on the pool table. I promise to watch those dumb dating shows with you.Andwe will reenact some scenes.”
Tilting my head, I huff out a chuckle.
“I promise to be true to you and only you, to love you deeply, fulfill you, lifting you to heights you deserve. And last but not least, I promise to live every day of my life striving to be the best husband and man that you deserve. I’ll even give Scott a run for his money.”
Another peal of laughter bubbles forth.
“But that’s only if you will have me.” He takes the ring box from my hand and pulls out the sparkler. His trembling hand envelops mine as he slides it over my finger.
A perfect fit. Just like us.
“Rachel Garcia, will you make me the happiest man alive and become my partner and wife?”
I can’t speak. I can’t move. I’m hypnotized and stunned as my head answers for me. I nod.
“Yes?” he asks through laughter.
“Yes, Johnny. I will marry you.”
He immediately stands and grabs me as I launch myself into his arms, laughing through my tears. He holds me close, wrapping his arms around me and peppering my face with kisses. Then our lips collide.
Sealing our lives together.
Seven years after the engagement
Johnny
The officiant asks everyone to rise, and nerves erupt in my stomach.
