Page 20 of Wrong Number, Right Silver Fox
I look down at myself and realize my shirt is all bloodied and gross. I can't propose to her like this. I reach out to touch her cheek and rub my thumb against the smooth skin. My vixen is perfect just the way she is.
"Let me order dinner, then I'll shower and change. I want to talk to you about something."
"So long as it's not a breakup convo, I'm all for it."
"Why would I break up with you?" I ask.
"Hello? My father just punched you. I'm pretty certain he would have kept punching you if I didn't get between you two back there."
"It's all good. I promise."
It's a little bothersome to try and keep my nose dry while I shower, but I manage it. I keep thinking of different ways to propose, but what's really worrying me is that she'll say no because it's too soon. It's not too soon for me. It's the exact right moment, and I hope it's the same for her.
I dress in something casual and find Emily in the dining room, setting the table for us to eat. I walk up to her and take her into my arms. She's so tiny, she fits right in there with me.
"You didn't have to do this, you're a guest here."
"I hope I'm more than that."
I kiss her forehead and mumble 'you are'.
Taking her hand, I move us to the living room and sit her down on the couch. I'm nervous, so I start pacing in front of her, not knowing where to start. I stop for a moment and look at her. Her whole body language is open and ready for positivity—the wayshe's sitting forward with her elbows on her knees and her face resting on her hands.
I just want to pick up and cherish her for the rest of our lives.
"Emily, you take my breath away. I've never met anyone like you. Sexy, smart, and independent. You take the bull by the horns, literally, and I love that about you. I love you and I want to spend the rest of our lives together."
I kneel down in front of her, and she opens her eyes wide in surprise. The ring is in my back pocket, so I take it out and open the box for her to see.
"You might not believe this, but I got this the day I caught you stalking me. I just knew we were meant to be. Emily. My Vixen. Will you make me the happiest man in the world and marry me?"
"Oh my god, Jack. Yes! Absolutely, yes!"
She pulls me up from the floor and stands up with me. I place the engagement ring on her finger and take her into my arms. It's like we are two interlocking pieces in a puzzle. Our kiss is soft, and we don't separate for the longest time, just enjoying the fact that soon we'll belong to each other exclusively.
This is hands down the best day of my life.
Chapter 11
Emily
Today is finally here. I'm marrying Jack Baldwin, and I get to call him 'husband' for the rest of our lives. My mother is fussing with my hair, and my father is fidgeting with his boutonniere. I think he's still conflicted because of Jack and I's age difference.
"Mom, my hair is fine. I'm ready."
"Oh, sweetheart, you and Jack make a wonderful couple."
"We do. I love him so much, Mom."
My father gets a serious look on his face and I take a deep breath to hear what's coming.
"You're going to be a married lady now, Emily, with a family of your own, but you'll always be my little girl. No matter what, you can come to me for advice, support, or just a big hug. Okay?"
"Okay, Daddy."
Tears threaten to fall, but I manage to pull them back. If I start crying, I won't stop anytime soon, and we'll have to have the makeup lady come back. We all walk together to the entrance of my parents' patio, where the wedding ceremony and reception have been set.
There's a pretty arch with flowers all over it, but what I can't keep my eyes from is my groom. He's there, looking as handsome as ever, his friend Paul by his side. He takes my breath away.
