Page 85 of Forever to Fall
“That was good, too.” Beckett hummed, his arms still holding Mallory close.
“What other memories do you have up here?” she asked, unwilling to drop this line of conversation.
“I remember Gramps taking me up here too, and we’d walk the grounds and track the trees for harvest. Sometimes we’d bring the goats and sheep up here and they’d run around like absolute idiots.” He chuckled at the private memory, and her heart ached for him. His grandfather was the most important role model and ally Beckett had, and she hated that the sweet old man was gone. Although she did pull comfort from knowing he was reunited with his beloved wife.
Leaning back into Beckett’s embrace, Mallory reveled in his nearness. Despite Evan knowing the truth, a small part of her feared Beckett would disappear if she didn’t hold tight. He sometimes felt as ethereal as the morning fog.
“My favorite memory here,” Beckett continued, oblivious to her inner turmoil, “was almost fifteen years ago.”
Mallory’s heart thundered in her chest, begging him to confirm her own favorite memories on this hill. “Oh, yeah?”
Beckett spun her around until they faced each other. Even in the fading twilight, she could make out his expression. His gray eyes gleamed behind his crooked glasses, and his smile was certain and bright. “Yeah,” he confirmed, drawing his hands up to cup her face. He kissed her, too quickly for Mallory’s taste, before stepping back.
“I know we were only kids,” he started, shoving his hands in his pockets, “but marrying you up on this hill was one of the best days of my life.”
Mallory felt foolish parroting his own statements back to him, but she couldn’t find her own words. “Best days of your life?”
“Of course. I shared my first kiss with my favorite person.” He shrugged, like the admission didn’t cost a lot, like it wasn’t costing her the same high price. If Beckett didn’t realize what he was doing with his words, he threatened to hurt her worse than ever before. “I replay that day in my head on repeat, Mallory. Especially on my darker days, as it’s the only thing that makes me smile.” His thumb swept over her cheek, catching a tear she didn’t realize was falling. “I made some pretty bold promises for a preteen.” He chuckled. “And I know my vows have been broken over the years.” A flush crept up his neck at the admission, but he soldiered on. “But I’m ready to commit again if you are. This time forever.”
Knees wobbling, Mallory clutched Beckett’s shoulders for support. “Beckett, what are you saying?”
Deep in her heart, she knew what he said was genuine, knew he wouldn’t break her heart again. But suddenly it seemed too good to be true. Her brother knew the truth, and Beckett was done hiding his feelings. Could it really be that simple?
Stepping back, Beckett shoved his hand back into his jeans before retrieving a very familiar black box. Slowly, he lowered himself down on one knee and opened the box. The ruby glinted up at her, winking the promise of a happily ever after. “Mallory Lawson, you are an amazing woman, my best friend.” He shook his head and quietly added, “Don’t tell Evan.”
Unable to hold back, Mallory snorted and rolled her eyes. “Get back to the Mallory portion of the Lawson lovefest, please.” She squeezed his hand, and Beckett laughed.
“Yes, ma’am.” Beckett took the ring out of the box and slid it onto her ring finger. The band fit like it was made for her, sliding into place perfectly. “Mallory, I’ve been in love with you for decades, and I’d love to spend the rest of my life proving that love to you. I want to make you French bread pizzas every day, I want to build pillow forts in the farm house with you, I want to raise our kids here, and I want to grow old with you here. I want our future to be bright and filled with love.” His gray eyes found hers, and she could have drowned in the moody pools. “Will you marry me?”
Mallory’s knees finally gave out and she fell to the ground in front of him. This was the most perfect proposal a girl could ask for and from the perfect man. “Yes,” she said, unable to stop the smile from engulfing her face. “Yes, Beckett.” Just as she was about to pull him in for a kiss, she looked down at Nana’s ring on her finger. “How did you get this?”
Beckett shook his head and tilted her face up toward his. “I’ll explain everything later, but I kind of want to kiss you. A lot.”
“Fair enough.” Mallory tugged Beckett closer by his collar, and their lips collided.
The pair had shared countless kisses over the years, but none like this one. This one felt shiny and new, filled with hope and the promise of forever.
