Page 127 of Finding Redemption

“Well, then. How about I start packing?”

His face lights up with an ear-to-ear smile. “Really? You’re gonna move in with me?” His brows pull tight, and my chest tightens. His giddiness is infectious.

“It’ll take me a few weeks but yeah, I think we’re there. Some couples may move slower, but I feel like we’re good.” I shrug. “Besides, most of my things are here already.”

“I know we are.” He shifts, taking a small, black box out of his pocket, setting it on his desk. “I was going to do this Saturday, but I think now’s a good time.” He takes a deep breath.

“Oh. Is that?” I nod my head rapidly, my eyes darting to his. “It is, right?”

Walker smiles at me, his eyes alight with admiration, understanding, and love. I see forever in his bright blue eyes. “When and only when you are ready, I hope you’ll marry me. I can’t imagine this life, my life, without you. You make me a better man, Reese. You are my missing piece. I know…” I stop him cold, smashing his mouth with mine.

“Yes.” I kiss him again. “Yes, I’ll marry you. You, Walker Ian Pennington. The incredible, amazing, crazy as hell, slightly dominant but I like that shit, favorite person in the world. I’ll marry the hell outta you.”

He takes my face into his hands, searching my eyes. “Are you sure? You don’t have to say yes yet. I simply wanted you to know my hopes and dreams are nothing without you. We have time and I’ll wait.”

“You were so unexpected. This love, it’s ours. Love controls our path and I don’t want to be on it with anyone else. I love you.” His eyes glisten with unshed tears. If ever I doubted I deserved this love, I see the truth in his eyes. My truth, my life.

“I love you.” His lips brush mine, and my heart thunders. Hairs prickle on my body from his touch. That alone tells me he’s my life. He opens the box to reveal a rose gold diamond-covered band with a cushion cut solitaire, surrounded by diamonds.

“Holy crow, that’s amazing.”

“If you don’t like, we can exchange it.” His mouth purses. “I like you in rose gold. It reminds me of your hair and how you shine.” He’s the sweetest man.

I shakily hold my hand out, waiting for him to slip it on my finger. “I love it. Thank you.”

“Is it too much? It’s three karats. If it’s too big, we can exchange it.” A line creases his forehead.

“Baby, never ask me if it’s too big again.” He chuckles. “It’s perfect and not because of the size but because you picked it out.” Our lips meet, taking my breath away.

“Can I call everyone?” he asks.

“Yeah, I guess I should call my mom.” I start to move but he holds me tight.

“We’ll call them together.” I snuggle back in his arms, and he begins to make the calls.

“Hello?” Cynthia answers in her singsong way.

“Hey, Mom. You’re on speaker with Reese and me.” Walker smiles at me.

“Hello, my darlings. How are you?”

I adore Walker’s mom. She makes me feel like I’m a part of their family. I’m not even sure if I know how to do the family thing. My chest tightens as my mind whirls with memories. My doubts and fears are front and center. I pull myself from the muck and find Walker smiling at me.

“We’re good. Is Dad around?” Walker winks at me before sneaking a kiss.

There’s rustling on her end as she moves around. “He is. Are you okay?”

“Just put him on speaker if you don’t mind.” Walker squeezes me, and butterflies fill my belly.

“Oh, gracious. Ian? Walker and Reese are on the phone,” she practically screams.

“What’s going on?” Ian’s smooth, no-nonsense style is Walker when he’s in court. Calm and in control, yet a fire burns within.

“Okay, babies. You’re on.” Cynthia is giddy.

“I think you already know, but I’ve asked Reese to marry me.” Cynthia squeals. “She said yes,” he yells over his mother’s cries of joy.

“Congratulations! We’re so happy for you both.” Cynthia sniffles through her words.