Page 94 of Never Till Now

“Dad, Emmett, I’m so grateful for everything, but we will have to discuss business at lunchtime tomorrow.” I grab Lauren’s hand and pull her toward the lobby. “You’re coming with me.”

She squeaks and giggles, sending more love than I ever thought could flow through me.

“Adam, wait!” She stops us beside the front desk in the lobby as guests filter into the bar lounge. “There is one more thing.”

I arch an eyebrow and feel eyes on us. “Is there?”

“Yeah.” Her gentle hand connects with my cheek as warmth reverberates through my skin. “You’re everything I hoped you would be.”

Epilogue

Adam

Six months later.

“Good morning, beautiful.” I kiss Lauren’s temple as my wet fingers slide out of her panties.

“Another good morning it is.” She rolls on top of me as her arms rest on each side of my head. “I don’t think I will ever get tired of you waking me up like that.”

“I will wake you up every morning with an orgasm if that is what it takes to keep your past from resurfacing.”

Her nightmares had been one thing she couldn’t work through until we got back together. Since we flew back from Aspen, we haven’t spent a night apart. I was hesitant about my idea but gave it a try, and it has worked ever since. I started to set my wristwatch to vibrate just before five every morning. I was determined to wake her up before her traumatic past kicked in. Each week I’d wake her a few minutes later, and now my girl can finally sleep in until six thirty on her days off.

“Well, let me give you a well-deserved morning pick-me-up.” Her lips kiss down my neck as my body fights against itself.

“Lauren, it’s obvious how bad I want my dick in you.” I push my hips forward over her panties. “But we have to leave our house in twenty minutes.”

I glance out the window through the trees, looking out at the ocean. Two months ago, we bought a three-bedroom house on a mountain cliff, just outside of city limits.

“Hmm.” She smirks, bringing my hands to the thin lace of her panties. “I don’t need twenty minutes to get ready for a hike. Rip off my panties and let me ride you.” I can’t argue with that.

The mountain air is crisp before the spring sun shines through. Lauren trots behind me, chattering the entire hike about her workweek.

“I explained to the hospital that I’ll be switching to part time by the end of this year because I love my time with the foster children and handing out bags.” Her donors have grown, and it’s been heart melting to see how supportive most companies are.

Lauren still won’t take a fucking dime from me even though we now live together. Hopefully after our hike, that will change. My hours at work have changed as well. They allow her and me more time together and a slower-paced life. I want her to follow her dreams, but I also want to help them grow, and my finances can be put to use toward a brilliant foundation. We reach elevation as her hand laces with mine. Together, we head over to the same spot she first witnessed the rolling fog waves.

“I always doubt that hiking this early will be worth it.” She laughs. “But anything with you is worth it.” Her arms wrap around my neck, but I dip down, dropping to my knee. “I love you so much, Adam.”

Her head tilts as she eyes my tied shoelaces and her forehead crunches with confusion. Her once haunted green eyes hold nothing but love. I smirk as her lips part with a questioning gasp. Lauren follows my hand as I reach into my pocket and pull out a velvet box.

“Lauren, if anyone had asked us a year ago if we would love someone for the rest of our lives, we would have laughed and said never.”

Tears brim her eyes as she nods.

“Till now.” My throat constricts as I battle my own emotions. “I want every memory to be with you up until I can no longer make any more. I know you’re strong and can handle this world on your own, but I want to be by your side, helping you chase your dreams in every way.”

Her palms press together under her nose like a prayer.

“Marry me, Lauren McAllister.”

“You’re all I want, Adam Wheaton.”

I open the velvet box as her shoulders shake with laughter.

“I really never am going to live this down.”

I pick up the one-point five-carat oval diamond on a rose gold band and hold it up. Even though I can afford the three carat, I know Lauren well enough that a three carat is too large and flashy for her taste. The fingers on her left hand spread out as she brings her hand forward to me. Before I slip it on her finger, she hits me with a question I knew she’d ask.