Thorn in My Side (Bunch-A-Blooms 2)

I swallow. “Yes, love.” I walk over to the couch and offer my hand. She takes it and I help her stand.

“Don’t be nervous. I know I’ll love it.”

“I hope so,” I whisper.

I hang back as she walks around to the front of the canvas and gasps.

“Is...is this how you see me?”

“This is how you are.”

She shakes her head and her eyes tear up. “Wow.”

I hold my breath as she inspects the painting.

“Wait…what’s that on my hand, Luk?”

I kneel and take her hand in mind. “You’re the love of my life, Olive. I cannot imagine living another second without knowing you’re mine completely and I am yours. Grow old with me, love. Have my babies, and share infinite adventures. Let me take you on that European vacation for our honeymoon.”

“Luka, Yes.”

“Yeah?”

She nods her head and holds out her hand.

I pull out the velvet case and open it.

“This was my mother’s. It’s a tradition that the eldest son receives them for their wife.” I slip the ring on her finger and kiss it. A final piece of a puzzle clicks into place, and I experience peace unlike any I’ve ever known. I stand and pull her body to mine. “I love you, Olive Bateman.”

“And I love you, Luka Davenport.”

Her lips meet mine and the world narrows to the taste and feel of her as we consummate our engagement with our bodies.