“I think the learning lesson is we should have probably taken more time to talk things through.”
She grimaces. “I shouldn’t have left like that.”
“I’ll spank your ass for it later,” I promise in a husky tone, but then change it so she’ll know I’m serious. “Mollie… you need to take that Australia trip. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime offer, and it’s something you’ve wanted to do your entire career. I swear I’m going to be right here waiting for you to come back.”
Once again, she leans in to brush her lips over mine. When she pulls back, she gives me a sweet smile. “I love you so much for saying that, but I already turned the job down.”
“You did?” I exclaim in surprise.
She nods. “And that’s why I left Samson with my parents. I thought I could take the next month to travel with you to your away games, and, in between, we could get serious about looking for a house.”
Words can’t even describe the happiness she just caused to surge within me. She’s practically giving me my heart’s desire at the expense of her own dream.
“Are you sure?” I ask hesitantly. “Because maybe you can still go after that Australia gig. Tell them you changed your mind.”
“I won’t change my mind,” she replies firmly. “My mind is made up about staying here with you because it’s what my heart wants, too.”
I pull her into a hug, realizing it is indeed possible to love her more than I had a moment ago. Shifting to place a kiss on her neck, I mutter, “You know, I’m feeling incredibly guilty about this. You giving your dream up for me.”
“You can make it up to me in the bedroom,” she purrs, and my pants start to tighten.
Because the bedroom idea is the best one I’ve heard in a long time, I surge off the couch. She laughs, holding tightly to my shoulders. I’m careful not to smack her into any walls as I quickly make my way to the bedroom.
Maybe a bit too unceremoniously, I drop her on the bed, but instead of following her down, I march across my room to my closet.
“What are you doing?” Mollie asks, leaning up with her elbows pressed into the mattress.
“Rectifying something fundamental,” I say as I hurry into the closet. I go straight to the valet drawer where I keep things like my watches and dress cuff links. After I nab the ring box, I take the ring out and toss the box over my shoulder.
When I get to the bed, I hop on next to her, causing her to bounce slightly. She sees what’s in my hand, and it causes her to sit up straight while I lounge on my side.
I have no soft words, and I’m not going to ask her to marry me again. As far as I’m concerned, the fact she’s here and gave up that trip is answer enough.
Mollie doesn’t flinch or pull back when I take her left hand. It doesn’t even shake. When I look up to see her expression, it’s bright with confidence and eagerness.
The ring slips on easily. For a moment, it looks so big that it appears it might break her delicate finger. But she holds it out, tilting her hand from side to side to admire the stone with a goofy smile.
“It’s fabulous,” she murmurs. “Way bigger than I ever imagined it should be.”
“I’m rich. I can afford it.”
Mollie examines the ring for a minute more before her eyes meet mine. Her hand settles on my cheek. “I never gave you my official answer.”
“You did,” I insist. “By coming here and fighting for our relationship.”
“But I want to give you the words—formally,” she says pertly. “I love you so much, Kane. You’re my best friend, the other half of my heart, and the greatest man I know. It’s going to be such an honor to be your wife and live the rest of my days with you.”
“Love you, too, Noodle.” My voice is hoarse with emotion, so I cover it by dragging her down on the bed beside me.
No more talking.
Just kissing.
And other things.
Right now, we start the rest of our lives.
Together.