“Good,” I say, voice rough. “Because I’m not letting it go.”
Her eyes search mine.
“You don’t have to fight anymore, Russ.”
I shake my head slightly.
“I’ll always fight,” I tell her quietly. “Just… not against this.”
Her lips curve.
“And what are you fighting for now?”
I don’t even hesitate.
“You.”
The word lands between us—steady. Certain.
Forever.
She exhales, like she’s been holding that breath for a long time too.
Then she leans into me, resting her forehead against my chest.
And for the first time in a long time…
Everything is still.
Everything is right.
I slide my hand into my pocket, fingers brushing over the small velvet box I’ve been carrying around for three days now.
Waiting.
For the right moment.
Forher.
I pull back just enough to look at her.
“Olivia.”
She glances up.
Yeah.
This is it.
I drop to one knee.
Her breath catches.
The world goes quiet.
“Marry me,” I say, my voice steady even though everything inside me isn’t. “No more almosts. No more waiting. Just… us.”
Tears fill her eyes instantly.
