Page 139 of I Promise You
Tears fall down my face, and my heart pounds harder.
Even through his mask, I know he’s smiling at me.
“Are you okay? Did they hurt you? Did they…” he clears his throat, “touchyou?”
I shake my head.
“Now that you’re here, I’m okay.”
His hands reach underneath his shirt, by his collar bones, and he takes off his dog tags from his neck as my back is still pressed hard against the tree.
He places them over me, so I’m wearing them as another necklace on top of my cross one. The cold metal kisses my skin, and everything changes to slow motion.
“Marry me.” He brushes my lips with his fingers, rigid with purpose.
A low whimper falls from my lips, but not from pain…from serenity.
“Baby, marry me.” My mouth opens ever so slightly, not believing the words coming out of his mouth.
I stare at him, trying to figure out if this is a dream.
When I watch his stone-cold eyes search mine vehemently. I know it’s real.
“Danny…I’m scared,” I admit. “I'm scared the longer you’re in the military—” I weep through heavy breaths, shaking my head.
I can’t find the words. It’s scary to think shit like this will continue for us. Maybe I’m ruining the moment, but I’m in a chokehold, unsure of what to do or say.
“I’m scared.” I shrug, sobbing, and he watches me so intensely. I feel like I’ll disappear into nothing the longer he stares at me like that. I can’t handle it when he does this. I meltevery single time. Even more so through his mask. Because even though I can’t see his face, his eyes tell me everything.
They tell me what his soul needs and what he’s feeling.
“It’s okay to be scared. Fear isn’t a weakness, angel. It means you’re still alive.”
I exhale through trembling lips and chattering teeth, and puffs of white follow, and I narrow my eyes at him with admiration. He’s my haven.
“I promise you; I’ll always find you. I will always protect you. You are mine forever, Ari Natalia. I will save you from the darkness that lives in this world and the darkness that troubles your soul. I love you, Ari. I’m so in love with you.”
He said it.
And he’s proposing.
Butterflies swarm and sparks fly into my throat. I sniffle and hold his dog tags tighter in my hands.
I look down at them. My fingertips trail blood, and I accidentally leave crimson traces with my fingers.
“This isn’t a ring, but I can’t wait any longer.” He grabs the dog tags over my icy hand and holds it tight. “I’m proposing to you, Ari. Be my bride.” He picks me up, and my feet no longer touch the ground. I’m straddling him as he pushes my back against the tree, and I hold on to him tighter.
A small bubble of laughter escapes me through the tears.
“Now you say it? We’re covered in blood, and there are dead bodies right next to us. Now you say it?”
“I don’t see the problem.” He grabs my hair gently, pulling my head up so that I’m facing the night sky and twinkling stars.
“I’ll get on my fucking knees and crawl to you if I have to, baby. I’ll burn this whole world for you to be mine forever. Say it.”
I exhale, biting my lips. It’s like he’s surrendering to me, unveiling every vulnerable factor about himself.
He kisses my neck through his mask. He lets go of my hair, sliding his hand underneath my dress and squeezing my breasts.
