“No Goth Girl home videos, babe,” Crockett replied.This is it.He tapped his phone. The television screen displayed Kimberly Mitus propped up in her hospital bed, fluffing herhair.
Kimberly choked back a sob, her eyes filling withtears.
“You okay, Mom?” Alexandraasked.
“Would you be if your hair looked like that?” Her mom pointed to the TVscreen.
With a smile, Alexandra peered up at Crockett through her lashes. He tightened his grip and pecked hercheek.
“Okay, everyone, settle down.” Crockett started thevideo.
“You look lovely,” Crockett said. “Not even a hospital stay can change that.” He turned the lens on himself—flashed a grin—then switched it back to Kimberly. “I’ve given this a lot of thought…for a lot of years. You know how much I adoreAlexandra.”
Kimberly smiled. “I do. And I tried to help you out every time she came home. But my sweet girl can be strong-willed,too.”
“She is and I love that about her.” Crockett paused. “Kimberly, I’d like to ask you for Alexandra’s hand in marriage. I’m waiting to pop the question, but I’d love yourblessing.”
Alexandra’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh,Crockett.”
“Ah hell, another one bites the dust,” Maverickmumbled.
Beaming, Kimberly said, “I’ve waited a long time forthis.”
“You and me both. I’m not sure she’ll sayyes.”
“If she doesn’t, she’ll have me to answer to,” Kimberlyreplied.
The dinner party group burst intolaughter.
“It means a lot that you asked me,Crockett.”
“Me, too,” Alexandra murmured and squeezed hishand.
“I’ve loved our Goth Girl for a long time,” Crockett continued. “Even time and distance couldn’t changethat.”
Kimberly patted his hand. “I know that,dear.”
“You have my word that I’ll keep her safe and make sure she knows how much I love her—every day. I’ll protect her and build a wonderful life withher.”
Alexandra swiped a tear while Red murmured, “Soromantic.”
Through the tears in her eyes, Kimberly smiled. “I wholeheartedly give you my blessing. You’ve had it from the very beginning. I wish you both a lifetime of love and laughter. Be good to each other and you’ll find that life is beautiful, even in the darkesttimes.”
Crockett sat next to Kimberly, placed himself in the shot, and kissed hercheek.
“Ooooh, a selfie,” Alexandra quipped as she breezed into the hospital room. “What did Imiss?”
“Crockett doing what he does best,” Kimberly said. “Making mehappy.”
He flipped the camera on Alex. She blew him a kiss and he stoppedfilming.
The TV screen went dark. No one spoke. All eyes on Crockett. He’d waited a long time to get tothismoment withthiswoman. And he couldn’t wait to let the world know how much he adored her. And couldn’t live withouther.
Turning to face her, he pulled the ring box from his pants pocket. Then, he knelt. Alexandra’s wide-eyed gaze followed his everymovement.
“Breathe,” he murmured and waited until sheinhaled.
Her beautiful smile and sparkling eyes filled him with happiness. The intelligent, sexy, wild, gorgeous and insanely curious woman standing before him was everything he wanted in a life partner. If she would have him, he would cherish her for the rest of his life. He stared into her beautiful browneyes.
