Page 166 of An Unholy Affair
He swallowed, his thumb moving in circles across the back of her hand.
‘I’ve told you I don’t want children, but it’s not true. I’m just scared of fucking it up.’
‘Jack, you wouldn’t. You’re the kindest, sweetest soul with the biggest heart.’
He let out a sigh. ‘I’m shit-scared of being a dad, and terrified of how much I love you. But you know what?’
She shook her head.
‘I’m even more afraid of being without you.’
She held her breath, not wanting to move a muscle in case she broke the spell.
‘I want to go to bed next to you every night and wake up by your side in the morning. I want to support your dreams and always have your back. To be for you what you are for everyone else. I love you, Eveline. And I’m all in… If you’ll have me back?’
‘I never let you go,’ she choked out, tears spilling down her cheeks.
He leaned forward, his own eyes liquid, and kissed away her tears. ‘I love you with everything I have to give.’
‘I love you, too. I’m so happy right now I think I might burst.’
He smiled. ‘I need to ask you something.’
‘Anything.’
‘Will you marry me?’
Her heart stopped as she stared at him.
‘I know marriage is important to you, so it’s important to me. Nothing would make me prouder than being your husband.’
‘Are you sure?’ she whispered.
‘One hundred per cent. I should have married you a year ago, so by that logic we’ve already been engaged for over a year. Do you know the hospital chaplain? Want to get hitched today?’
Eveline laughed, her heart overflowing. ‘I look an absolute mess!’
Jack cupped her jaw and brushed her lips with his. ‘You’re the most beautiful woman in the world.’
She sighed into the kiss. It felt like coming home.
‘So, was that a yes?’ he murmured. ‘Will you marry me?’
‘As you wish.’
She felt his smile against her lips. ‘My Princess Bride. You never gave up on me.’
‘Never give up…’ she whispered.
‘Never surrender,’ he replied, deepening the kiss and sending tingles down to the tips of her toes.
He pulled away, and she whimpered.
‘We need to get you well, and that starts with…’ He pulled a foil-wrapped packet out of his jacket pocket and passed it to her. ‘It’ll be cold by now, but it’s homemade.’
She unwrapped it. ‘A bacon sandwich!’
‘Foxbrooke Jewellers is shut today, otherwise I would have brought you a ring. The sandwich will have to do until you’re better and can choose one.’
