The man is a freaking trooper. He runs the business and helps take care of a mini army at home. He’s the kind of father I would’ve killed to have growing up—involved, affectionate, and flat out cool. He managed to maintain the things that made him stand out as the years rolled by and we both took on more responsibility. It’s admirable. I’ve seen so many people lose themselves in marriages and parenthood. He was the first example I looked toward when I discovered Allie was pregnant.
“We should bring out more drinks before Liv gives us a death glare,” Houston says as he finishes off his water, and pitches the bottle into the recycling bin.
“I’m starting to think you’re afraid of your wife, bro,” I say, amused.
“I keep telling you, I’m cautious.”
I help him restock the cooler. We add another bag of ice and carry it out back.
“Thanks, guys.” Liv flashes us a bright grin.
“Anytime, Livy,” I say as I stand behind Quinn and she leans back against me. It’s time to ask for her hand and start shopping for a ring.
Chapter Fifteen
Quinn
“Honey, I’m home,” I call as I step inside the two-story red brick home we purchased together. Thirty minutes from his previous home and forty-five minutes from mine, it’s the perfect new location. It feels safe and removed from all of the bad things that had happened to us. The high-tech alarm system attached to live service twenty-four hours a day helps. Once we began to bring our own things inside the home, we managed to create a new space for our memories to live on in.
After hanging my keys on the hooks on the wall, I shut and lock the door.
“Ollie?” I did an indie horror movie in Austin for the past week. It’s the longest we’ve been apart for nearly a year.
“I’m out back, sassy,” he calls.
I smile. The smell of something delicious reaches my nostrils. I head back and gasp at the elaborate spread he’s set out on the patio. Candles line the table and various other surfaces to create a romantic atmosphere. A bucket of chilled champagne rests in a silver bucket I know we didn’t have when I left.
“Ollie?”
“Welcome back. Can you tell I missed you?”
I laugh. “Yeah, just a little. I’m not dressed for this,” I say, taking in his black pants and black button down shirt.
“You’re perfect in everything you wear.”
“You don’t have to lay it on so thick, baby. It’s been a week, believe me, you’
re getting laid.”
His lips quirk upward. He looks good, less haunted. The appointments with the counselor are working. He has his days and breakdowns, but it’s never as dark as it was previous to his sessions. I’m proud of him.
“It’s always about sex with you, isn’t it?” he asks, mocking offense.
“Ha, you wish.”
He lowers to one knee, and I gasp. Is he doing what I think he’s doing?
“What?” I squeak.
My body trembles as he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a black velvet box.
“You are the love of my life. You’ve seen me at rock bottom and didn’t run screaming for the hills. I can’t picture my future without you, and I never want to. You’re my other half, and I want to officially start a new life together with you as my wife. Quinn Fleming, will you marry me?”
“Yes! Oh my God, yes.” I laugh as the tears roll down my face. He opens the velvet case, and the massive kite diamond makes me gasp. The thing has to be at least two karats, and the band looks like platinum. I forget how well off Ollie is. He slips the ring on my finger, and I throw myself into his arms as he stands.
“I love you,” I repeat the words as I pepper his face with kisses. His lips capture mine and I give myself over to him. Happiness fills every inch of my body. We’ve come full circle. The darkness has receded, and we’re moving forward in love and light.
He frames my face. “Sassy, I want a family with you. I want a little boy or girl that’s part you and part me. I’m not going to lie ... I’m scared out of my mind, but I want to see our love manifested more than the fear. I know you want this. You’re meant to be a mother, and you’ve waited on me. It’s time. I want to try.”