Page 114 of Meant for Me
She didn’t even try to hold back this second round of tears. Because as she was learning, sometimes the sun could shine even through the rain. Like grace.
Amazing grace.
“I love you.” Still on one knee, he grasped both her hands. “Always have.” He let out a little huff. “I should have known I’d somehow end up with a woman who jumped on my back during a cooking class.”
She let out a half laugh, half sob.
“Zoey, you need to know I still mean every word I said during our elopement. Every vow, every promise.” His voice sobered. “But I’ll do it all again for you. Big wedding. Whatever you want.”
She already had everything she wanted.
“Well…willyou marry me?” He lumbered to his feet, as if suddenly concerned she hadn’t actually said yes.
“Yes.” She tapped her chin, pretending to think about it. “On one condition.”
“Condition?” He frowned.
She fought to hold her straight face. “Twenty pushups.”
He tilted his head. “You’re kidding.” But he really couldn’t tell if she was or not, and she loved it.
Loved him.
“I never joke about fitness, Linc.” Zoey pointed at the ground, shot him a saucy wink. “Count ’em off, Muscles.”
“Better than a haiku.” He hit the ground, his lats bunching under his wet shirt. “One. Two. Three.”
She waited until he got to ten, then dropped down to the ground in front of him. He paused at the top of his next rep, a question in his eyes. She flipped over on her back and scooted across the wet grass until her face lined up perfectly under his. “Ten more.”
He grinned, pushing down into his next rep, lips grazing hers. “Eleven.”
Kiss.
“Twelve.”
Kiss.
She giggled. “I would have worked out much sooner if I knew this was an option.”
He growled, then came to his knees, grabbed her. Hauled them both to their feet. She shrieked with laughter, and he held her up against him, like he had on the dock. Tucked in his arms. Safe.
Secure. He pressed his lips to hers, a kiss full of promise and anticipation.
Zoey’s heart soared. “I love you too, by the way. You big jerk.”
“Glad to hear it.” He pressed his damp forehead against hers. “Ready to go get our kid? I’m sure she’s all sugared up by now, if Mama D had anything to do with it.”
Zoey snorted. “Yep.” Linc kissed her one more time, stealing her breath. She closed her eyes, relishing his scent. His strength. This moment. “And then let’s gohome.”
Where they were meant to be.
The End
epilogue
SIX MONTHS LATER
Linc hadn’t been to jail in a really, really long time.
