“Don’t worry about that right now. The dishes can wait. Come on, I want to show you something.” I deposit the plates onto the counter before I take Mouse’s hand and lead her out to the patio in the backyard. The summer air is still sticky with heat, but it’s starting to cool off. It’s the perfect kind of weather to spend a little time outside.
As soon as we walk through the French doors and out onto the patio, Mouse sees what I did to it.
She gasps as if in shock, bringing a hand to her chest. “Xander… what is all of this?”
“You like it?”
She stares at the bed of oversized pillows and blankets covering the makeshift bed. I’ve strung some outdoor lights above it and vases filled with flowers are placed all around the area.
Tealights are nestled into little bowls of water, placed all over the patio, and with the moon hanging in the sky, it makes the entire place look just as romantic as I’d hoped it would.
“It’s beautiful, Xander!” Tears fill her beautiful blue eyes, and I wipe them away with my thumbs as they slip down her cheeks.
“No crying, Mouse. Tonight is special to me, and not just because you’re here with me. It’s special because I’ve made the decision to let love win, forever, and always. I vowed I’d always protect you, and there’s one more way I can ensure they you will always be protected and cared for.”
Mouse blinks very slowly, as if she isn’t sure what’s going to happen next.
The weight of the ring in my pocket feels heavy now.
What if she says no?
Things have been great between us but there is still a chance she might say no.
The thought never occurred to me until now. I’d been working on my emotions, dealing with the pain and anger I had. I’d given her space like she’d asked, and we’d grown closer with each passing day, but what if this wasn’t what she wanted?
“Are you okay? You look like you might be sick?” Mouse’s features fill with concern. I wanted to laugh… even in these moments she proved how sweet, and caring she was.
“I’ve never wanted someone the way I want you, Mouse.”
She nods, as if she understands but she has no clue. She has no fucking clue how hard her presence makes my heart beat, or how much her whimpers and pleas during sex push me over the edge. She has no clue what she does to me and maybe that’s how it’s supposed to be with us.
“I love you, Xander, but you didn’t have to do any of this.” Her hands gesture toward the lights and bed.
“Oh, but I did…” I grin, reaching into my pocket. I pull out the red velvet box and drop down onto one knee before her while flipping open the top. As soon as she realizes what’s happening, her hands cover her mouth. Her gaze widens with excitement and shock.
“Will you do me the honor of becoming Mrs. Rossi, Mouse?”
“Do you… do you really mean it?” The words rush from her lips, and my smile widens.
“Yes, I really mean it. I want you to be my wife.”
And just like that, she is crying again. Big huge wet tears fall from her eyes, and she hiccups into her hand before nodding.
I reach out, taking her hand in mine.
I had her ring custom made. A two-carat diamond sitting on a white gold band. Thanks to Violet, I didn’t have to guess her ring size. I slide it onto her slender ring finger… and damn near sigh finding that it fits her perfectly.
As I try to stand back up, Mouse takes my face between her hands and brings her lips to mine. I wrap my arms around her and pull her closer… as close I can get her without squishing her belly.
She tastes delicious, and I want nothing more than to strip her bare and taste more of her, every single inch of her flesh. My tongue delves between her lips, and she grips onto me tighter, her hands fisting into my shirt and showing me just how much she wants this.
I pull away, resting my forehead against hers, my body trembling. “I want you, Mouse. Can I have you? Can I make love to you beneath the stars?”
Mouse’s deep blue eyes peer up at me. “Yes… yes, please,” she exclaims, taking a step back, gripping the hem of her dress, and pulling it up and over her head. The fabric falls to the ground, and she giggles softly, standing before me in nothing more than a white pair of panties and bra. It’s nothing over the top, no lace, or silk, just plain white panties and a matching bra.
Her stomach is swollen, and her tits are huge, heaving with each breath she takes. Her cheeks turn an adorable shade of pink, and I start undressing myself, tossing every piece of clothing to the ground.