Saving Easton (Oakside Military Heroes Book 2)(55)

He sits down on the couch, and I sit on the edge of the love seat.

"You look more beautiful than ever." His eyes roam over me.

My heart races, and I don't know what to expect, but that simple comment, makes me want to jump into his arms. I sit on my hands to prevent just that.

"Well, I was cleaning, when you got here, so... but you’re looking good. How’re you doing?"

He scoots forward on the couch, resting his elbow on his knees and clasping his hands together.

"Your brother struck a chord with me. Not that I should have talked to him, but his words about you deserving more. The more I thought about it, the more I knew he was right. You deserved someone who could be by your side, and not hold you back, because of his insecurities. When I got your letter..." His Adam's apple bobs.

Allie winds her way around his legs, and he takes a moment to pet her.

"When I got your letter, it felt like you were saying goodbye, and I wasn't okay with that. I wanted you in my life, and knowing that, threw me into gear. I worked my butt off to be a man you can be proud of..."

"Easton..."

"Let me finish.”

"No. I’m proud of you, and I was proud of you then. I don't want you to ever think I wasn't, or that I'm not. And I never once felt like you were holding me back. I loved knowing I was helping you and was making a difference to someone for once." I say, and then look over towards the dogs.

"You have always seen so much more in me than I have. I wanted to see what you saw in me, and I finally do. I’m finally worthy of you."

For the second time today, this man has shocked me into silence. It's a full minute before I can even think.

"What?" I ask finally.

He gives me that sexy half smirk.

"I met with the doctors and changed my treatment plan. I kicked it up, ripped off the Band-Aids, and pushed forward. I took Noah up on his job offer, and I’m now the head of security at Oakside. It's just Jake and me right now, but we’re bringing on some night time guys. I transitioned out of Oakside and got my own place, though I hope it's only temporary."

"Why?"

I get this sinking feeling that he's here to say goodbye, because he's looking to take this super awesome job somewhere across the country. It would be my luck, it really would.

"Well, there’s this girl who stole my heart, and I seem to stop thinking about her." He reaches for my hand, and then slides to his knees in front of me.

"I'm hoping she’ll forgive me for the last month, when I kept us apart and will still want to be with me." He pulls something from this pocket and takes a deep breath, before meeting my eyes.

"I love you, Paisley. I promise to always be by your side no matter what crazy adventure you go on. I promise to always pick you over everyone else. I promise to help you train the dogs and help you fill the house with as many of them as you want. I promise to be your best friend, the best husband, and the best family you could ever hope for. Will you marry me?" He flips open a velvet box.

Inside is the most beautiful princess cut ring I've ever seen. My entire life I've loved this ring because it's my grandma's ring.

There’s no hesitation and no question on what my answer will be.

"Yes!" I cry, wrapping my arms around his neck.

He takes me in his arms, and it feels so good to be back there. I feel safe again and whole. He pulls back just enough to take my hand and slip the ring on. Then, he brings my hand to his mouth and kisses it, before cradling my head in both his hands and giving me a deep, wonderfully passionate kiss.

It's a shock to my system, even though I knew it was coming. I love this man with everything that I am.

"I love you, Easton." I sigh, needing to tell him.

Then, he moves to sit back on the couch, taking me with him and sitting me in his lap.

"I'm not ready to let go of you just yet."

"So, when can you move in?"

He laughs.

"Well, I'm not freeloading. I want to split the expenses."

"Hmm, I don't have many, because this house was paid off, when my grandparents left it to me. It's the only way I could afford it. How about you take over mowing the grass and landscaping and pay for cable, because I don't have TV, and I'm sure you want something more than my DVD collection."

"We can talk more about it later, but I can move in as soon as you're ready."

"I'm ready."

We sit quietly in each other’s arms for a few minutes, enjoying the moment.

"Have you spoken to Leeland?" He asks.

"He came over the other day and apologized and is working to make it up to me. He also did some stuff around the house. Have you talked to him?"

"Last week, he was the first person I went and saw. I was hoping my talk would be the kick in the pants he needed. A little guilt trip never hurt anyone. I also talked to your parents, too. They were overjoyed."

"I bet Mom already has our entire wedding planned. She's been waiting for one of us to get married. Now, she’ll start talking about grandbabies the second we walk through the door."

"Oh, she already was, before I left."

I laugh and look down at my ring.

"I should shower. I really was cleaning the house," I say, standing, and thankfully, he lets me. "Care to join me?"