Page 135 of For One Night

“The house.” I wiggle my brows.

Her eyes fill with mischief. “Well, how nice.”

“Athair?” I wait by his door.

“Yes, Lenny.”

I hold her close to me as we walk in, and he smiles widely when he sees us. “I want to introduce you to Lolita. Lola, my father, Jacob.”

“Come closer.” He waves us over to his bed. “Did you walk here from the states?”

“No, I-I got your car stuck in the mud, and then I made him eat some of it.” She giggles, making my father laugh with her.

“Is this what drove you here?” He stares at me, and I nod. “I can see why. I’d run back home if I lost her too.”

“You’ve got that right.” Lola winks at him.

“I’m going to let her shower, so we can visit later.”

He reaches for her, she leans in, and he takes her hand. He motions for me, taking my hand. Holding them together, he closes his eyes. “Many years, several children, lots of laughter and a long, lasting love. It will happen.”

Lola’s eyes glisten. “We’re not sure I can have children.”

“You will.” He pats her hand.

“We’ll be back.” I take her hand. “Are you okay?”

“I am, he’s made me so happy.” She holds her stomach as if it’s happening now.

I open the door to my room, holding it for her. “Here you go.”

“Ha! My bag is already here.” She points to it on the bed.

I slide my arms around her. “Let’s get you in the shower.”

“Are you saying I smell?”

“Like sex and mud.” Her mouth hangs open. “Keep it up, that and your tongue are going to get you in trouble.”

She narrows her eyes, backing away from me as she strips. “Is that so?”

“I’ll stick something in it.” I cock my brow.

She stops, and I see it on her face before she sticks her tongue out. I chase her into the shower. We take one helluva a shower, and I jump out before her.

“Take your time. I’m going to find some clothes.”

“I’m almost done.”

I close the door, dashing over to my suitcase. I jerk on some pants and grab a shirt. I finger comb my hair, trying to hurry. I spin, looking around the room.

“It’ll have to do.” I rush, trying to get everything set up before she gets out. A few minutes later, she walks out.

“I didn’t bring a hairdryer. I hope you have one.” She glances up and drops her head, freezing.

In the center of the bed, is a pillow sitting alone with a black box on top of it. I’ve had this black box for two weeks, waiting for this moment. The perfect time to make her my wife.

“Lola,”—I step out from the side and take a knee as she peeks up, covering her mouth—“I’m not a poet, nor a lyrist, so there won’t be fancy words or oaths in blood, but there will be love. There will be laughter. There will be children, even if ‘we have to buy them’.” She says it with me as she cries. “There will be arguments, misunderstandings, and lots of living, but there will always be love. I told you, I would ruin you for anyone else, and boy, did you teach me a lesson. I am yours for today, tomorrow, and all the days you’ll have me. Lolita Felice Turner, will you marry me?”

“Forever.” She runs over to me, knocking me to the floor and kissing me madly.

“Do you want this?” I hold up a two carat, platinum solitaire.

She nods, holding her finger out. “It’s amazing.”

“So are you.” I press my lips to hers.