Page 81 of Hayden

But now our fights are resolved in the bedroom.

Damn, making up is so much fun.

Still, I guess the biggest trait we share is that we love to win.

And on that subject, though Hayden will dispute me that he’s the biggest winner in our relationship, I’ll always believe that I came out ahead.

I won in the game of love when I met that man.

It just took us a while to get here.

Hayden

While we wait for our dream home to be built, Addison moves into my rental house before her lease is up.

We get a preview of what it’s like living together, and it goes really fucking well.

Sure, we still banter and spar—we always will—but we never go to bed angry.

One thing we bicker about is who came out the bigger winner in the relationship. She thinks she did, but we all know it’s me. Addison makes me a better person. Sheismy life.

That’s why, in the spring, before it’s time to move into our “real” home, I know without a doubt that I want more from her.

I want Addison Knight to be my wife.

I think of all the ways I could propose—public or private, flashy or low-key.

There are so many options.

But in the end, I decide I’ll do like we always do—I’ll ask her when the time feels right.

That time comes one night when we’re wrapped up in a checkered flannel blanket, chilling on a big sheepskin rug, in front of a roaring fire in the living room.

We’re drinking champagne, for no other reason than to just celebrate life.

I recently got back from a long string of road games. Addison was so happy to see me when I stepped into the house. She was literally vibrating with energy and excitement when I wrapped her up in my arms for the best fucking hug.

Yeah, I fucking missed her too.

That was earlier, and since then, I knew this would be the night I propose.

I even prepared by slipping the engagement ring I bought a few weeks ago into my jeans pocket.

Now I’m just waiting for the perfect moment…

My opportunity comes when Addison slides out of our blanket cocoon to take a quick bathroom break.

Standing and pointing at me before she walks away, she says, “I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere.”

“Oh, don’t worry.” I laugh. “I am here to stay.”

I mean that in so many fucking ways.

Once Addison is out of sight, I sit up and dig the platinum ring with the big, sparkly diamond solitaire from my pocket.

It sure is a beauty, I think as I plop it into Addison’s half-full champagne flute.

The damn diamond is so big, there’s no way she won’t notice it.

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