Page 128 of Love Triggered

“Yeah, a website launch is a wild time. Also, Mom called and asked if I’d come see her during visiting hours tomorrow.”

Lainey stayed true to her word and didn’t give up on her mom. She finally convinced her to get help so I pitched in, along with Lya, to get her into the best facility money can buy. It was a joint effort, basically because we both wanted to pay and we were both too stubborn to let it go.

Her mom decided to go, but she wasn’t happy about it so she hasn’t allowed Lainey to come see her yet. Maybe her asking for Lainey to visit now means she’s had a change of heart. Lainey’s been really down about that, but she wasn’t going to force herself into her mother’s life if she’s not wanted.

Relief fills my body at her words, because I know how much she wanted the chance to visit. This girl is the most caring person I’ve ever met. She’d do anything for her mom, even after all the bad shit. Hell, she’s forgiven me and I’m the devil, so she must truly be an angel.

I give her a quick peck on the lips. “I’m glad, baby. You’ve wanted this forever. I’ll go with you if you want,” I whisper, rubbing my thumb over her bottom lip. Her eyes soften even more, and she nods her head. I give her a smile and another kiss, before telling her, “I’m making tacos, plus I just made you a bubble bath. You better go get in while it’s still hot, angel.”

Her eyes light up and a smile spreads across her face. “Meet me up there? I don’t know what I did to deserve you.” I nod, and she gives me a wink before turning to head up the stairs. I watch her sexy ass sway before she turns the corner.

Me neither, angel. I don’t know how I was ever lucky enough to get you.

I know I probably should’ve planned out something fancy for this moment, considering she’s going to remember it for the rest of her life, but my girl is simple. She doesn’t care about having the biggest, shiniest things in life. She just wants to be surrounded by those she loves.

I wanted it to be simple, so I’m making her favorite meal and giving her a bubble bath, which she loves. To be honest, I wanted to ask her right after I got her back from Sutton, but I knew she needed time. We talked a little about marriage after our picnic date almost a year ago. She told me she wanted to do things with her life and succeed before settling down and getting married, so I’ve been patiently waiting. She’s helped the girls, she has an education, she has the freedom of a driver’s license, she’s helping her mom, and she’s made it her life mission to shut down trafficking operations. I’d say that now is the perfect time, I just hope she thinks the same.

I finish making the tacos and head upstairs. I swing into our bedroom and set the plate down, before rustling through the dresser drawer. Pulling the little black box out, I open it to stare at the ring. It’s simple and classic, just like Lainey. A beautiful silver band with one huge diamond.

This is the moment I’ve been waiting for. I’m going to ask my angel to marry me, and I’m freaking out.

What if she says no? What if I fuck this up?

Taking a deep breath, I close the box and tuck it safely into my pocket before grabbing the tacos and heading into the bathroom.

Lainey is leaning back in the tub. Bubbles are everywhere and the only thing visible is her head.Fuck, she’s gorgeous.

I walk over and sit on the side of the tub, causing Lainey to jump. Her eyes open wide, then relax as she smiles. “You scared me,” she scolds as she playfully punches my bicep, getting my t-shirt all wet.

“Sorry, angel. I didn’t mean to do that. Here are your tacos.” My voice is rushed. I hope I don’t sound as nervous as I feel.

“You okay?” she asks, raising an eyebrow.

Fuck, I need to get it together.

“Yeah, everything’s good. So tell me about your day.” I try to slow my voice down so she doesn’t get even more suspicious.

We sit there and talk about her day while she finishes her tacos. At one point, I just start feeding them to her because she was getting them all soggy with her wet hands. She eventually asked me about my day, making me feel bad that I had to lie. When Lainey got the call from Lya asking her to come into the office, she’d asked me if I wanted to come along, which is what I normally would do, but I told her I was going to see my mom.

When we eventually got all the girls either back with their families or set up on their own, my mom decided that it’d be best to move out as well, and give us our space. I understood, but it was sad to watch her leave after finally getting to know her.

Lainey’s done eating so I take her plate and put it on the vanity.

It’s go time.

I get down on one knee and take Lainey’s hand in mine. She sits up in the tub, keeping her eyes on me.

“Well, hello there. What are you doing, Grey?” she asks as she flutters her eyelashes at me. I try not to get distracted, and keep going with the plan.

“I want to ask you something,” I say quietly. My nerves are getting the best of me, and my knee is shaking, but luckily she can’t see that.

“Okay? What do you want to ask?”

“Lainey, I’ve loved you ever since I laid eyes on you. It broke my heart when you were ripped from my life. It took nine years until I finally had you back. That was nine years of pure agony, for both of us. At one point, I wanted to give up, but a little voice in my head told me to keep looking, that you were out there.”

A tear falls from the corner of her eye and she squeezes my hand.

“You’re the strongest and most beautiful woman I know. You’re going to do great things in life, and I want to be right there with you. I want to be right by your side when you conquer the world.”

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