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Dani laughs lightly. “I guess I can never live in San Diego. I need all four seasons. What’s your favorite, Michael?”
We’re walking on a bridge that goes over the river. A boat is lazily floating past, and the city is lit up in a colorful backdrop.
“I love all the seasons, too, for different reasons. But spring is going to be my favorite after tonight.”
“Why is that?”
I pause and turn to her, love and admiration for this woman swelling up inside of me. “Because I’m hoping it’s the night you agree to be my wife.”
Dani gasps. “What?”
I go down on one knee. “Danielle. Cookie. I’ve been waiting a long time for the woman who is just right for me and then there you were, on the KissCam, as big as can be.”
Her fingers are trembling now in mine, her eyes wide, free hand pressed against her chest.
I continue, because I don’t want to rush. I need her to hear what she’s brought to my life. “You were adorable, of course, but then I got to know you and see what a generous, loving, intelligent, and compassionate woman you are. You have a heart so wide you can love three men and I know that, I respect that, but aside from Crew and Nathan, there is you and me and I love you with all of what’s inside of me.” I put a fist on my heart. Tears are in her eyes now and she’s already nodding in agreement, which emboldens me to finish. “You own my heart, Cookie, and I want to have that future with you that we talked about. Lake houses and babies and rocking chairs on the porch when I’m retired.Youare my soulmate. Will you do me the absolute honor of becoming my wife?”
“Yes! Oh my God, Michael, yes! Of course!” She lets out a sob, tears of joy streaming down her face.
Euphoria fills me, lifts me off the ground, and I grab her, swinging her into my arms.
I suddenly realize there is clapping. Several people had been observing us from a distance and now they’re beaming. I give them a victory wave, grinning, before returning my full attention to the woman I love.
“Danielle,” I murmur, kissing her hard before pulling back to study her, to memorize this moment. “You make me so damn happy.”
“You make me happy too. I can’t wait to be your wife.”
“Whatever souls are made of, yours and mine are the same.”
“That’s Brontë,” she whispers.
I knew she would get the reference. Because we’re made for each other.
Her eyes are shining with love, her cheeks flushed. She’s glowing and she’s never looked more beautiful. She has her arms wrapped around my neck and she’s standing on her tiptoes so our lips can touch.
“I want to put a baby in you,” I say against her mouth.
Dani nods with a smile, but says, “Maybe nottonight. Let’s talk in a year or two.”
“Deal. As long as you’re mine, forever.”
“I’m yours,” she whispers.
CHAPTER 23
Nathan
I hearthe door open and my heart rate picks up.
Every time. My heart does this every time I know Danielle has just walked into a space where I am. It never gets old.
I shift on the couch that I will never admit to Crew is actually very comfortable. It’s too big. It doesn’t fit the aesthetic of the house. But it’s comfortable.
I’ve been reading while Crew has been watching television propped right in the center of the monstrosity so he can see the screen.
The television that is also a monstrosity and hung over the fireplace. He couldn’t miss seeing it. But Michael had sided with Crew on the purchase, saying that movie nights with us all on the couch together would be great with a television that size.
I don’t really care. I’m not a TV guy but I can let them have whatever screen size they want. I just can’t not express an opinion.
