A Favor for a Favor (All In 2)

“I love you,” he says.

“I love you too.”

He nods, like he’s finding some resolve, and drops down to his knee. It puts his face level with my crotch.

“Uh, what’re you doing?”

“This worked a lot smoother in my head.” He grabs the edge of the counter and pushes back up to a stand. Which is when I notice he’s clutching a tiny box in his fist.

“What’s this?” I grab his hand with both of mine and try to pry it open, but Bishop is a lot stronger than me.

He uncurls it slowly to reveal a velvet jewelry box. My heart stutters, and I meet his gaze with a questioning one of my own. The last time I saw a box like this was when I helped my brother pick out Lainey’s engagement ring.

“I know we didn’t start off all that hot, and I’m also aware I’m not the easiest guy to deal with and that I can be moody and difficult, and sometimes I stick my foot in my mouth because I don’t have a lot of tact, but I’m a way better version of me when I’m with you, Stevie. I love you so fucking much. And I promise I’m going to keep working on loving you like you deserve to be, and if you’ll let me, I’m going to try to do that for the rest of my life.” He flips the lid open, revealing a gorgeous ring with a pale-pink diamond.

“Are you asking me to marry you?” It’s a dumb question—of course he is—but I’m a little floored. Bishop isn’t really a hearts and flowers and jewelry kind of guy, although he does try. He likes to buy potted plants over cut flowers if at all possible, since I kill those more slowly. Usually he’s more of a pizza and let’s buy a house guy. Or at least I thought he was, until now.

“That was kind of the plan, unless you’re not ready for that. Then we can forget about the ring and pretend this didn’t happen. Maybe the house is enough for now? Should I try again in a year?” His eyes dart around, and he snaps the box shut and hides it behind his back.

“I don’t want you to ask in a year.” I tug on the arm hiding the ring. “I want you to ask me now.”

“Are you sure? ’Cause I can wait if you need me to.”

“Positive.” I lean in close to his ear and whisper, “If you ask me, I promise I’ll say yes.”

He kisses me and flips the lid open again. “Marry me? Please?”

“There is absolutely nothing in the world that would make me happier.”

He lifts the ring from its cushioned home and slides it on my finger. “Do you like the ring? I didn’t want it to be too much, but if you don’t like it, we can go back to the store and find something else—”

“It’s perfect, Shippy.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. I love it.” I take his face in my hands and bring his mouth to mine. “And you, so much.”

“You must, if you’re willing to deal with me every day for the rest of your life.” I can feel his smile against my lips as he wraps me up in his arms.

“I can’t imagine my life without you and your ridiculous underwear in it.”

“Good, because me and my underwear are yours forever now.”