by Hazel Kelly
“Gwendolyn told me she usually does pencils and staplers and school supplies, but that doesn’t seem very exciting to me.”
“Yeah, well, the first day of school isn’t very exciting for most people.”
“I know,” she said. “That’s why I want to put some thought into it.”
“I’m sure you’ll come up with something.”
She nodded and dropped her pencils in the grass, followed by the oversized notebook. “I appreciate the vote of confidence.”
“No problem.”
“I can always count on you for that.”
“You done for the night?”
“Yeah,” she said, smiling at me. “I’d be a fool to keep working with a view like this.”
I laughed and looked down at the grass around my feet. “I think I can do you one better.”
“I don’t know,” she said. “This is a pretty dynamite setting.”
I set my glass beside the chair, turned towards her, and dropped to one knee. “Laney,” I said, fixing my eyes on her. “There’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you.”
She straightened up a bit.
I reached in my back pocket and pulled out the familiar ring. “Having you in my life again has been a dream come true, and I can’t imagine spending the rest of my days with anyone else.”
Her eyes went wide.
“There is nothing I want more than to care for you, encourage you, and drive you crazy in all the ways I know how and all the ways I haven’t yet discovered.”
She pursed her lips.
“Since the beginning, we’ve been choosing our own adventures, and I have no idea what life has in store for us. All I know is that I want my every next page to have you in it.”
Her eyes started to water.
“I love you with everything I have for everything you are, and I would wait for you forever. But I’d rather die tomorrow knowing you were mine than live one more day hoping you know how much you mean to me.”
She turned towards me and tucked her feet behind her.
“I love you, Laney. Marry me already.”
Her face sprang into a wide smile. “I thought you’d never ask.”
I slipped the ring on her finger and held her hand as she bent down to kiss me.
When we came up for air, she rested her forehead on mine and her voice fell to a whisper. “I can’t believe you still have the ring.”
“I can’t believe that surprises you.”
She patted the chair and I took a seat beside her.
“I’m sorry I didn’t say yes the first time,” she said, leaning against my shoulder.
“Don’t be,” I said. “What matters is that you said yes this time.”
She raised her eyebrows. “And if I hadn’t?”
“Are you trying to ruin the moment?”
“Sorry.”
I smiled. “It’s okay.”
“I actually think we should drag out the moment as long as possible.”
“How do you propose we do that?” I asked.
“Well,” she said, admiring the ring on her finger. “You know all that stuff you said about the pages?”
“By heart, obviously.”
She laughed. “I have a question.”
“Shoot.”
“I have every confidence that I’ll always want to read the next page knowing you’re in it.”
“That would be even sweeter if I hadn’t just said that.”
She blushed. “I know, but is it possible to reread bits we really liked?”
“What do you mean?”
“Like, what if I wanted to reread that part from last weekend?”
I furrowed my brow. “You’re going to have to be more specific.”
“When you joined me in the shower?”
My eyes grew wide. “You liked that, did you?”
She nodded. “Very much.”
“I think that can be arranged.”
“I thought you might say that,” she said, taking a sip from her glass.
I sighed. “You’ll have to give me a minute, though. I’m a bit high right now over the fact that you’re going to be my wife.”
She laughed and her eyes sparkled. “Take all the time you need,” she said. “I’m not going anywhere.”
Epilogue
Dear Mom,
I’m glad to hear you found a nice roommate and that she’s sober, too. There’s nothing better than sharing your space with someone supportive.
And I think it’s great that you got a dog. Please send a picture of it if you can, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. I know Connor would be happy to help.
Speaking of Connor, we got married a few days ago.
It was a small ceremony- just like I always wanted- and only our closest friends were there.
It was great to spend some time together because he’s been traveling a lot, training other vets on how to work with the technology he invented.
I’m very proud of him, and it’s wonderful to see him making such a big difference to so many animals and their families.
Meanwhile, I’m finally making a living from my painting. I’ve totally taken over for Gwendolyn, and I’m running my own workshops, too. It’s been hard work getting it started, but the still life class for bachelorette parties has proved particularly popular in some of the surrounding areas.
Unfortunately, because of all the business craziness, we’re postponing our honeymoon for a while, but to be honest, I don’t mind. Every day feels like a honeymoon with him.
He is so loving and attentive, and I feel so blessed to have such a strong man in my life. I have no doubt that he is going to be a wonderful father.
Which is important because I’m pregnant!
So far, only Helly knows, but we’re planning on telling our friends soon.
I’m a little nervous because I don’t know the first thing about babies, but surely the hardest part is finding a village to help you raise them, and I think I’ve finally found that.
It feels good to belong somewhere- not just to fit in- but to really belong, and I wouldn’t want to raise the baby anywhere else.
Just between us, it’s a girl. I can’t believe it. I know Connor especially wanted a girl, even though he would never have admitted it out loud, so I know he’ll be my rock when she comes.
We haven’t picked a name yet because I feel like I need to meet her first, but we’ve had lots of fun ruling some out.
It’s strange how much my life looks like I always thought it would these days and how much it doesn’t at the same time. Still, I’m happy, and I think of you often.
I know I say it a lot, but I really appreciate that you’ve respected my need for space and time. However, when the baby’s born, it would mean a lot to me if you would come meet her.
I can’t give you a specific date or anything yet, but I’ll be in touch.
Look after yourself in the meantime.
Love and hugs,
Laney
Note From the Author
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Xo Hazel
Ps- If you enjoyed this book, don’t forget to check out the other books in the Soulmates Series…
Roommates
My Best Friend’s Brother
Other Series by Hazel Kelly
The Tempted Series
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> The Fated Series
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Club Abbott Series
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The Wanted Series
A fiery story about what happens when two strong willed opposites attract.
The Craved Series
An uplifting story about a young woman whose life changes forever when a handsome stranger sweeps her off her feet.
The Devoured Series
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The Exposed Series
A gritty coming of age story about sex, love, and the pain of growing up.