Page 56 of Screamer
ROXIE
I’m happy.
Six months later…
“That’s the last of it.”
I rub my dirty hands on my jeans as I watch Screamer carry in the last box. Today is moving day. The two of us talked a lot about where we wanted to live, and we agreed that staying at either clubhouse was off the table. Screamer respects the fact that I don’t want to be surrounded by club business all the time, and I respect the fact that, just because he doesn’t live with his club, doesn’t mean he’s not a part of it. Finding a house was a compromise we both knew we needed to make.
We closed on the ranch house a week ago, and both clubs have helped us pack and transport all of our belongings. They’re all scattered throughout the house, putting together furniture, and generally doing whatever Screamer and I tell them to.
“Wait!” Rae says, running in behind him. “This fell out of your pocket.”
She hands something small to Screamer, but I can’t tell what it is because he turns away from me. Instead, I focus on myfriend. It took longer than any of us would’ve liked, but about two months ago, she came to me and asked me to help her quit drinking. I happily agreed.
Mark has helped, too. Turns out, his mom is an alcoholic—sober for five years—so he’s been the perfect support system for Rae. She’s still grieving the loss of Saint, and probably always will. The important thing is that she’s learning that it’s okay, and despite how it feels sometimes, she’s not alone.
“Thanks,” Screamer mumbles.
“No problem.”
Mark pokes his head through the front door. “You ready to go?” he asks Rae. “The meeting starts in a half hour.”
He’s been taking her to AA meetings several times a week, and it’s helping for sure.
“Yep.” Rae walks toward me and kisses my cheek. “Call me after you’re settled in. We can get together for a girl’s night.”
“Count on it.”
After they leave, Screamer turns to face me, a sheepish look on his face.
“What’s up?”
“Nothing.” His response is cagey, but I trust him.
Shrugging, I return to putting dishes away in the kitchen. “Wanna check on everyone? See if they’re getting hungry. I can order some pizza.”
It isn’t until hours later that we’re alone in our new house, both beyond exhausted. Screamer collapses onto the couch, pulling me into his lap.
“Are you happy?” he asks.
I look at him and smile. “You really don’t know?”
“Humor me.”
“Yes, I’m happy.”
Scooting me to sit on the cushion, he slides to the floor and faces me. I watch as he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a black velvet box.
My hands fly to my mouth, and I suck in a breath. “W-what are you doing?”
Opening the box, he grins. “Roxie, I told myself I was going to wait longer, that I would give you more time to put some distance between what happened with Jace and moving forward. I had all these plans, and then this fell out of the box.” He shrugs. “I’m taking it as a sign that enough time has passed, and I hope like hell that I’m not wrong. Roxie, sweetheart, will you marry me?”
Tears slide down my cheeks, and he brushes them away. Unable to form words, I nod.
“Yeah?” he asks.
“Y-yeah.”
