Page 131 of Stepping Into Tomorrow

In the center of the mattress was an envelope.

She picked it up and turned towards Nash. “What is this?”

“Open it and find out.”

She took a deep breath, slid her shaky fingers inside, and pulled out a handwritten note. The script was slanted and masculine, and surprisingly neat. She recognized it immediately as Nash’s.

She flicked a glance to him.

“Read it.”

Bella,

The day you walked into my life changed me forever. From the moment I met you, you inspired me to be better. To take a chance and seek a better future. Little did I know just how much that one decision would change my life forever.

Everything good in my life now is because of you.

Tears welled in Isabella’s eyes. She had to wipe them to see the rest of the words. Her heart was so full of incandescent happiness—it was like she’d swallowed a piece of the sun.

Because of you, I found out that I’m not as broken as I thought. That I have a lot more to offer. You made me a father—a gift I will cherish forever. You made my heart beat again after I’d thought it had died.

And still, I want more. I want all your tomorrows so I can wrap you in my arms and cherish each and every moment with you. I want your sick days and your happy days. I want the rain and the sun. But more than anything, I just want you.

My last request, because I’m a selfish bastard who won’t ever be satisfied with just pieces, is that you make me a husband.

In exchange for your forever, I swear to you I’ll lay down my life for you and for the kids if needed. I’ll be your lighthouse in the dark. And your shelter in the storms that are bound to come our way.

I’ll do my best every day to show you just how much I appreciate and love you with my words and my actions.

You want the moon? It’s yours. You want the sun and stars? Just say the word.

I promise you my heart, my mind, and my soul. I’ll bare it all to you in the hope that you will agree and make me the happiest man in the world by saying yes.

She wiped her eyes again and lowered the letter, meeting Nash’s shiny gaze as he got to his knees and pulled out a blue velvet box with a gold-embossed trident on it. It was from Poseidon's Treasure, the high-end artisan jewelry store in town. He opened it to reveal a stunning raw blue apatite stone like someone had captured a piece of the sea in the stone and encased it with rose gold.

Nash gripped her hand, still holding out the gorgeous ring to her. “My beautiful, fierce, sweet Bella, I’ve never been a man of many words—at least spoken aloud. But everything I do have is yours. My body, my heart, and my soul no longer belong to me alone. Will you do me the honor of being my wife and letting me hold your hand for the rest of my life? Let me be the arms you run to when you’re happy or upset. The man who provides you with everything you need or want—but above all, my truths?”

Happy tears dripped down her cheeks as she nodded. “Yes!”

He removed the ring from the box and slid it onto her finger before rising to his feet to slam his lips against hers. This kiss was fire and love. A promise and hope for a brighter tomorrow. She dug her nails into the back of his neck, squeezing him closer as his big hands slipped beneath her dress.

She gasped as he swiped his fingers between her slick folds.

“You’re fucking soaked.”

“I need you inside me.”

“I want a taste first,” he grated, dropping to his knees as his hands firmly spun her around. Pressure on her lower back had her bending onto the bed on all fours. Cool air rushed over her exposed backside as he lifted her sundress.

“What did I tell you about not wearing panties?” A firm slap on her ass had her hissing through her teeth as hot arousal dripped down her thighs.

“That you loved it?” She tried to sound innocent.

His tongue lapped between her lower lips, drawing a moan from her.

“I told you that if you did it again, you’d be punished. Is that what you want, sweetness?”

Yes! “Maybe.” Her voice was all breath.

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