Inseparable

Scared? We would see who the scared one was!

“You’re going down, Hansen.” I said, sitting up on my elbow to get myself in a better position. He laughed as I screamed go, our fingers once again dancing around, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. My body curled around, trying to bend his elbow under me.

“Hey!” He cried, laughing. “Not fair, you’re cheating!” He went for the move and I pounced, my thumb slamming down on top of his.

“Yes!” I cried, laughing. “Champion.”

He narrowed his eyes at me, and suddenly his fingers were everywhere, tickling me. I screamed, tears streaming from my eyes as I tried to get away from him. He was so strong though, and so determined to tickle me until I passed out.

“Punishment for cheating.” He said, laughing as I finally broke free, collapsing in a heap, on the floor, totally out of breath.

“That was cruel!” I gasped, trying my best to glare at him, my twitching lips giving away my amusement. I took his outstretched hand, as he yanked me back onto the bed, covering me with kisses as I laughed. Rolling over, I smiled at him, watching him watch me, thinking about how much I loved this guy.

Epilogue

Dane leaned over and kissed my cheek before knocking on the door.

“You ready?” He whispered in my ear. I nodded and smiled as Laurel opened the door.

“About time! We thought we were going to have to start without you.” She joked, ushering us inside. “Now, give me another look at that lovely ring.” She smiled reaching for my hand. The single half carat princess cut diamond sparkled in the light. “Stunning.” She sighed, shaking her head. “Go into the living room. Everyone is already here.” I grinned, knowing everyone meant my family, Dane’s family, our friends, everyone who was important to us was here to celebrate our engagement.

So much has happened in the fourteen months since Steffy was found. Dane was still cancer free, his last two check-ups returning nothing out of the ordinary, and Steffy was nearly a completely different person.

I glanced at the mature young woman sitting in an armchair, dressed in a beautiful knee length plum shift dress, and I struggled to picture her as the same person she was a year ago. Her blue eyes lit up as she spotted us, her smile enough to bring tears to my eyes. She stood and walked over to us.

“Lil, you look beautiful.” She smiled, hugging me. “You don’t look too bad either, Dane.” She joked. He laughed, and kissed his sister on the cheek.

“How are you, Steff? You look really good.” I smiled, holding her hand out to get a better look at her. She blushed at my attention.

“I’m good, Lil.” She smiled. “Congratulations to both of you, too.” She added.

“Thanks.” I smiled, glancing at Dane. He nodded. “I wanted to ask you something. If it’s something you don’t feel up to, we understand, but I’d love for you to be my maid of honor.”

Steffy’s eyes widened. “Really? Oh my gosh, I would love that!” She cried, almost knocking me over with another hug. “Thank you!”

“Nothing would make us happier than having you up there beside me on our wedding day.” I laughed, regaining my balance.

“Have you guys set a date yet?” She asked excitedly.

“The fourth of November this year.” Dane replied, squeezing my waist. “And I can’t wait.” He murmured, kissing my lips.

“Well I’m so excited for you both. I’m going to tell mom.” She smiled at us, before disappearing into the small crowd.

“See seems really good.” I whispered to Dane. He nodded.

“Mom said she’s still having nightmares, and panic attacks, but she’s getting there slowly.” Dane shrugged. “She’s been through a lot, and it’s a slow process, you know?” I nodded. I admired Steffy and her ability to work through everything.

“Lil!”

I looked up and saw Kella and Fraser heading toward us, her long high waist dress showing off her growing baby bump beautifully. She and Fraser had married four months ago, in a very intimate wedding reception in Spain. I had the honor of being her bridesmaid, and Dane was Fraser’s best man, the two of them becoming very close friends in the months following Steffy’s rescue.

“Kella, Hey.” I smiled, reaching out to touch her stomach. Kella rolled her eyes, which made me laugh. I could see how happy she was. “You look beautiful. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this happy, Kel.” I said sincerely. She grinned, rubbing her stomach.

“He keeps kicking me.” She giggled, raising an eyebrow. I gasped.

“He? You’re having a boy!” I cried, hugging her. She laughed.

“We found out yesterday. Tyler Derek Garrison the fourth.” She said, her dark eyes glowing with pride. Fraser gently touched her stomach, his head cocked to the side.