Authors: Beth Michele
Rex (41 page)
“What on earth are you doing?” I mouth, gesturing with my hands, and he ignores me, crooking his finger as he walks backward, urging me to follow. He continues toward the water until he spins around and I drop to my knees, stunned, the words
MARRY ME
splayed across the rippled muscles of his back in that same bold marker.
My entire body begins to shake, tears taking a furious roll down my cheeks. Rex finally turns around when he realizes I’m no longer behind him.
He walks over, crouching down on the sand in front of me. “If I knew this is all it would take to bring you to your knees, I would’ve done it a lot sooner.”
“You’re insane!” I cry out as he lifts a hand to cup my cheek, tears trailing over his thumb. And while I might be making a fuss, this is the single most amazing moment of my entire life.
“I’m insanely in love with you.” He exhales a shaky breath. “You know, it wasn’t until I met you that I started looking forward to the next day. And the next day after that.” Sweat trickles down his skin as he takes a pause, meanwhile my head is spinning, my heart a wonderful jumble. Catching a tear from the corner of my eye with his finger, he continues, “I know that I may not always say the right thing, but I promise I’ll do right by you. I’ll jump over fucking hurdles for you, and I’ll do anything to make you smile.”
His other hand comes up to frame my face, his warm brown gaze holding mine. “I want you to know that you can be human with me and I’ll be right by your side, that you can be imperfect and I’ll love you no matter what. And that you never have to hide with me. I want to see how you feel, hear your thoughts, know your heart. I promise that I’ll help you continue to bloom like those wildflowers that you loved so much.”
With a loving smile on his lips, he presses a kiss to my forehead. “This is the real deal, baby. You and me. And,” he hesitates, presenting me with a beautiful diamond ring that he seems to pull out of thin air, “I know this isn’t a fancy restaurant, and the ring isn’t sitting in a strawberry, but—”
“Rex.” I refuse to let him go on. “It’s you and I fucking love it. I love you so much. And I don’t need anything else except what I have right here.” I touch my palm to his cheek and he leans into me. “
You
are all I need.” More tears spill down my cheeks and I feel as if I’m making up for lost time.
“I just wanted this to be perfect for you, you know?” The doubt in his stare makes my heart stumble, the need to reassure him the only thing that matters.
“
You
are perfect for me. So you need to stop talking now and just kiss me.”
“Wait, is that a yes?” he asks over the screech of the overhead gulls. “You see,” he grins, “even they want to know the answer.”
“That’s a hell yes. Now kiss me.”
And so he does.
She said yes.
I can’t fucking believe it. But as our tongues move against one another, I taste it. Life. Hope. Love. And it’s the best fucking thing I’ve ever tasted.
She leaves me, but stays close, her breath brushing my lips, both of us smiling against one another.
“So, this is what it’s like,” I murmur as she places gentle kisses around my mouth.
Her lips pause, a question in her gaze. “What what’s like?”
“Happiness.”
“Yes.” She smiles, her blue eyes dancing with it. I love the way her eyes look now. Gone is that cold sadness from before, replaced by light and life.
My heart is running a marathon, thumping against my chest. A feeling that I’m getting used to, that I welcome. I’m not really one of those people that believe in fate but somehow it kind of feels like we belong together… like we were meant to be.
Standing up, I lift her under the arms and she wraps her legs around my waist. Her dress bunches around her hips, which doesn’t concern her in the least bit. And it sure as hell doesn’t concern me as I cup her ass, feeling the silk of her panties beneath my hands. Her hair sways with the gentle breeze, cheeks and lips pink from the sun. She smiles, arching a curious brow, but not bothering to ask me what I’m doing because she knows it won’t make a difference.
My feet make contact with the cool, crisp water. All the while her eyes are on mine, gaze caressing me. “You’re not attached to this dress, are you?” I ask as I continue to walk further into the ocean.
“Nope,” she replies, not surprised when I set her down, knee deep in the clearest, bluest water I’ve ever seen.
“Give me your hand,” I order, and she holds it out to me as I slip the engagement ring on her finger. It’s a perfect fit.
“It’s beautiful.” She stares down at it, moving her hand from left to right, watching the sparkles as the sun continues to set behind us.
“So, I’m going to be Mrs. Rex Grayson.” She lets out a happy sigh, still admiring the ring with a beaming smile on her lips.
“I like the sound of that. Actually, come to think of it, I like all your sounds,” I tease, “and now I get to hear them for the rest of my life.”
“And there’s so many you’ve yet to hear.” She weaves her arms back around my neck, resting her forehead against mine. “I love you, Rex.”
“I love you too, baby.”
Our heads both lift and turn at the same time, glancing up at the sky. The moon is beginning to make an appearance, casting a warm glow on the rippling water surrounding us.
“There’s your moon, Rex. It looks so close, like it’s finally within your reach.”
My gaze slides to her, and I grasp her chin, slowly turning her face to mine. “You’re right. It’s in the palm of my hand now.” I brush the backs of my fingers down her cheek. “And I don’t have to run anymore.”
“Rex.”
“I really love you,” I breathe out, “you’re everything to me—my today, my tomorrow, my forever.”
And then I kiss my future, finally saying goodbye to my past.
If you’d like to read about Hunter and Olivia’s beginning, check out their story in
Finding Autumn
Lovely
Scarred Beautiful
Love Love
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To my family, as always, for being so incredibly patient while I sat glued to my computer for hours on end to write this story. To Richard, for always listening and supporting me, even when I sound like a crazy person. To Isabella and Richie for being so patient when Mom had just one more thought to get out, and always running into the bathroom with paper and pen when inspiration hit me in the shower. The main reason I’m able to do what I do is because I have your support—and that means everything to me.
To Nikki Groom for, well, the list is endless. For your friendship, your support, for making me smile bigger when I’m already smiling, and lifting me up when my smile falters. Thank you for taking the time to read and provide your thoughts and feedback!
To Cheryl McIntyre. I feel so blessed that I discovered your books, that ultimately led me to you and our friendship. You are a treasure of a person and I am so happy to know you. Thank you for your unwavering support, for taking the time to read, and giving me invaluable suggestions.
To Dawn McIntyre. I’m happy to call you my friend. I so appreciate you reading through my work and taking the time to provide me with insight and lending me your critical eye. I honestly can’t thank you enough!
To my pals Vi Keeland, Kristi Webster, Chris Carmilia, A.J. Warner, Cristina Arpin, Sunniva Dee, Natalie Catalano, Mary Tatar, Monica James, and Devon Herrera for your friendship, your laughter, your kindness, and your support. You all rock my entire existence!!
To my fellow authors, thank you for your support. You inspire me every day with your words and your stories, and I feel so blessed to be a part of this wonderful community.
To Lea Marika. What can I say, Lea? You are amazing. Thank you for being so in-tune with my thought process, my tireless pursuit of perfection, and my crazy mind. You are a wonderful editor and I appreciate all of your feedback and your support in helping me make my books the best they can be!