“A part of her is still here, in here.” She tapped the spot between her breasts. “The only difference is I’ve learned that it’s okay for me to enjoy life. I’m done hiding in the background. I’ve got a lot of living to do, and I’m ready to start doing it. I’m ready to start living my life.” She squeezed his fingers. “And I would really love it if you joined me on the journey.”
For several long moments Theo just stared at her, completely stunned. For the past three days he’d fretted over this conversation, wholly convinced that Deirdre would send him away without giving him a chance to win her back.
“You’ve got to get over this habit of surprising the hell out of me, Deirdre. I came here expecting to have to get on my knees and beg you to forgive me for leaving your hotel room like a complete jackass on Saturday.”
“No begging for forgiveness required,” she said. “And I definitely don’t want you dropping to your knees. After the punishing they’ve taken over the years, you might hurt yourself getting up.”
He didn’t share her laugh. Instead, Theo pushed up from the chair and bent to one knee. “Actually, for what I’m about to do, I do need to assume this position for a moment.”
Deirdre’s eyes widened and her mouth formed a perfect O.
Taking her left hand in his, Theo reached into his pocket with his other hand and pulled out the ring he’d purchased before leaving L.A. yesterday.
“We’ve wasted too much time already, Deirdre, and I don’t want to spend another day of my life without you. Please say you’ll be my wife.”
She covered mouth with her fist as tears began to stream down her eyes.
“Absolutely,” Deirdre said. “I want nothing more than to spend my life with you.”
He stood and wrapped his arms around her, crushing her to him. Theo felt Deirdre’s shoulders shake with laughter and pulled back to stare at her.
“What’s so funny?” he asked.
She shook her head, and with a teary laugh, said, “You’re still helping me accomplish items on my bucket list.”
Theo frowned as she gestured to her desk. Theo looked to where she pointed. Written on a note tablet in bold letters were the words: “My Ultimate Bucket List.” There was only one item on it: “Get Theo Stokes to marry me.”
“It looks as if I’ll have no problem striking that one off the list,” Deirdre said.
Theo picked up an ink pen and drew a line through the words. “Baby, you can consider that one done.”
* * * * *
ISBN: 9781459226173
Copyright © 2012 by Farrah Roybiskie
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Pleasure Rush Page 19