She tapped the screen. His phone rang in his pocket. He pulled it out and looked at the unfamiliar number.
“You changed your number?”
“No. When would I have had time to change my number?” She thought for a moment, then groaned. “But Raina had plenty of time to change it without me knowing. I knew there was a reason she wouldn’t give me my phone back!”
“She’s just trying to protect you. I don’t blame her. I’m not good for you. I’m not a good bet for anyone. I’m damaged and even if you give me another chance I’m sure I’ll make mistakes over and over again.”
“I lied to you. And I’m not sure if I would have believed me either if that much money showed up missing from my account. We both made mistakes.”
“I finished our song.”
Ridley squinted at the sudden change in subject. “You did?”
“It’s called ‘One More Day.’ I’m going to record it.”
“Jackson, that’s wonderful! But I thought you said it would never be recorded? That you were scrapping it.”
“Some things are worth saving.” He got off the bed and knelt on the floor in front of her. For a moment, Ridley felt weak again and leaned against the pillows for support.
“Working on the lyrics really made me think about my mom’s advice. About wanting one more day. The thing is, sometimes you don’t have one more day. Sometimes all you have is the moment. And if you don’t take it, it’s gone forever.”
“What are you saying, Jackson?”
“I’m saying I love you. And I really hope you love me, too.”
Ridley bit her lips. “Is this crazy? Is it just completely crazy that I felt like I’d lost a limb just because I didn’t see you for a week? Is this even logical?”
“Screw logic. I love you. I love the way your forehead crinkles when you laugh. I love how you put everyone at ease—my mom, my brothers, even the kids. I love waking up and looking over at you and being the happiest I’ve ever been. Even if you find someone else, someone who isn’t all damaged and scarred, he’ll never feel the way about you that I do.”
“I love you, too. So much.” Tears spilled down her cheeks as she smiled at him.
“Give me one more day, Ridley. Marry me?”
The sound of whooping in the hallway made him scowl. The door to her room swung open and she saw Nick and Raina cheering and dancing in the hallway.
“If I’d known you were going to propose, little brother, we could have stopped at a jewelry store on the way,” Nick said.
Jackson looked down. “I guess this would be a great time for me to have a ring, huh?”
“Say yes, Ri!” Raina yelled.
Jackson’s lips twitched. He lowered his voice so that only Ridley could hear him. “You realize it’s always going to be like this, right? Just wait until the rest of my family hears about this.”
Ridley laughed, the beauty of the moment so overwhelming it had no way out of her system except through laughter. The past month had been the worst and best of her life. She’d been stalked, terrified, and shot at. But she’d also been cherished. She’d fallen in love. She’d made friends. Most importantly, she’d gained a family.
“I’m not sure laughter during a marriage proposal is a good sign,” Jackson said.
Ridley cupped his face. “Oh, yes it is. Our lives are going to be filled with laughter and joy and love. So, yes. I’ll give you one more day. Every day.” She kissed him gently.
“For the rest of our lives.”