Page 105 of Animal Beats

“Yup. My new favorite instrument—listen.” I repeat the beat. “Where should it go?”

We bounce ideas around for a minute, building it together. Behind me, Hayden becomes completely still.

“Right there!” Mila says. “That’s where it goes!”

I grin. “I knew you’d know.”

“I’m helping,” she says, proud now.

“You are. Big time.”

Hayden clears her throat softly. “Mila, can you put Mrs. Smitty back on?”

A moment later, the administrator returns.

“She’s calm,” she says. “Whatever you did—it worked. She’s got her triangle and she’s singing.”

Hayden exhales. Her shoulders drop, like something heavy slipped free.

This wasn’t just another phone call.

“Thank you,” Hayden says quietly.

Mrs. Smitty replies, “Of course. We can handle her from here.”

The call ends.

For a second, neither of us moves.

If this is her world… I’m not going anywhere.

Hayden turns to me, her eyes soft in a way I’ve never seen before. “I can’t believe you did that.”

I shrug, but I don’t step back. “Mila’s awesome. I’m glad I could help.” I rest my hands on her shoulders. “I feel pretty lucky to have both of you in my life.”

Her breath catches. She tilts her head up. “You might be something special, Mr. River.”

I grin. “Don’t you forget it.”

I pause, then lean in slightly. “And now that’s handled…I’m still waiting.”

Her brows knit. “Waiting for what?”

“My answer.” I hold her gaze. “Will you marry me?”

She huffs a soft laugh and drops onto the bed. “I liked the way you asked the first time better.”

Not a problem.

I follow her down, bracing myself over her. Clearing my throat, I say, “Miss Vaughn. Mila’s big sister. Soon-to-be scholarship administrator. Love of my life…”

I drop my voice.

“Will you fucking marry me?”

Her expression shifts—soft, certain. “Since you asked so nicely…”

She pauses.