Page 85 of Hooked on a Demon
He didn’t lie when he told her shithead ex that Eliana was worth everything. She’s the light in the darkness. The home he’s longed for. The one person in the world who brings him peace and doesn’t question or judge any part of him. But most of all, he loves being a sturdy place for her to land.
They follow his mom and Lachlan into the house, Declan placing his hand on the small of Eliana’s back along the way, while his other hand pats his pocket, making sure the little box is still there. She relaxes into his slight touch and looks at him, making his heart leap and his demon chantmineinside.
Walking into the kitchen, hellos and hugs from Petra, Daisy, and Sloan greet them. Morris, Petra’s troublemaker cat, scampers in front of their feet, nearly tripping Declan. Declan growls at the little beast, but the fluff ball meows back before taking off around the corner.
“So nice to see you both again,” Petra says.
“Yes, you too,” Eliana replies. Her tone shows she’s still nervous. Hopefully, she’ll relax a little further as the evening goes on.
“Drinks?” Lachlan asks.
“Please.” Declan looks to Eliana, who nods in return. “Beer for me, and an espresso martini for Eliana.”
Lachlan waves a hand over his head. “Coming right up.”
A moment later, Lachlan hands them their drinks, and they move over to the kitchen table, taking a seat with his mom, Daisy, and Sloan.
“So tell me everything. How did this come to be?” Fenella asks.
It’s so typical of his family to jump right into it. Declan leans back, smiling as he places an arm along the back of Eliana’s chair. He delves into their story, explaining everything that has led them to where they are now, with his mom and the others chiming in with questions along the way. It seems to take a while to get through it all, but soon enough, dinner is ready, and the chatter shifts to more regular conversation, not solely focused on them.
Eliana, despite her nerves, carries herself with ease. Jumping from one topic to the next, as if she’s been in the group for years. Which is a good thing, as he plans to be with her for the rest of their lives.
Dinner wraps up, and they move out to the patio, enjoying the fire pit in the cooler temperatures that have taken over Leeside.
With fire dancing in her eyes, and unable to break the feeling that she needs to be his forevermore, Declan stands. Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out the ring that’s been burning a hole in it all night.
Declan turns around, kneeling in front of Eliana, and takes her hand. The conversational buzz around them stops, and all he can see and hear is the two of them. Her eyes reflect back the flames of love he feels for her.
“Eliana,” he starts. “I love you more than I thought was ever possible. You are completely unexpected and bring light into my life that I didn’t know I was looking for. You are the only one I want to be with and the only one I will ever love. I would be honored if you would agree to spend the rest of your life with me.” He wipes a tear from her cheek before continuing, “Eliana, will you marry me?”
She sits before him, shock written all over her face, from the gaping mouth to the enlarged pupils. “Are you serious?”
“Marry me. I can’t spend another day without knowing you’ll be mine forever.”
She stutters, having difficulty finding her words. She’s so beautiful. Flustered, flushed, or flirting, it doesn’t matter. She couldn’t be any more perfect. “I-I—Yes.”
“Yes?” he asks, shocked himself.
“Yes, I’ll marry you.”
“Hell yeah!” He slides the ring onto her finger before they stand up together. He lifts her up, spinning around with her legs wrapped around him as they kiss excitedly.
A couple of bottles pop in the distance, and various hands clap him on the shoulder, but all he cares about is that he has found the woman of his dreams.
Epilogue
BUCKLEY - 1 YEAR LATER
The humans are extra emotional today, but he’s not sure why. The big one, his longest friend, Declan, or Daddy as he calls himself, put something big and pointy around Buckley’s neck this morning. He called it a bowtie and made those high-pitched noises Buckley loves as he complimented his new attire. Despite the desire to scratch it and try to remove it, Buckley perseveres, knowing that it would upset Declan to see him do so.
His newest friend, Eliana, also known as Oaks, is glowing these days. Her belly has grown over the past few months to where it makes a wonderful pillow when Buckley lies on her at night. They sat him down a few months ago and told him he was going to be a big brother, but he knew long before that.
Sensing the new heartbeat in the room, Buckley made it a point to ensure it was kept warm and safe by being nearby at all times. He already knows that what grows in Eliana’s tummy will be his new best friend.
Padding around the house, his nose takes him to the kitchen, where it is filled with delicious-smelling foods, including his favorite—roast chicken. Looking around, making sure no one can see him, he hops onto his hind legs, checking to see if anything is in reach. Spotting the prize, his head slinks forward, reaching for a tasty morsel. It’s within reach, his teeth only an inch away, when he hears a voice off to the side.
“Hey! Get down!” the red-headed witch, Petra, yells at him.
