by Ali Parker
“Andrew, this,” Somehow, her eyes got wider, “I didn’t expect this.”
“It’s what I want.” I kept my gaze on hers, praying she believed me. “Please say yes.”
Pink spread across her cheeks as she smiled wide. “Yes.”
The word rang in my head. I almost couldn’t believe it.
“Did you just say yes?” I asked.
“Yes, I said yes.” She laughed.
My own laugh bubbled up in my chest and exploded from my throat. With euphoria filling me, I held Lanie’s hand with new confidence and slipped the ring on.
“It’s a little big,” I said, “Sorry. I’ll have it refitted right away.”
“Don’t you dare apologize for anything else. Not today.”
Grinning wide, she took my wrists and guided me to my feet. If my knee ached from all the time pressed against the floor, I couldn’t tell.
Pushing my arms around Lanie’s waist, I pulled her to me. Her face lifted toward mine, her lips parting the slightest bit. I worked one hand up to the back of her neck, relishing the softness of her skin.
“I love you,” I whispered, my gaze jumping between her eyes, unable to settle with looking into only one.
“How much?” she teased, her fingers digging into the back of my coat.
“More than I can ever say,” I seriously answered. “Do you understand that, Lanie?”
New tears entered her eyes, and she swallowed hard. “Yes. I do. And I’m sorry this has been so hard for me, that I’ve had trouble forgiving you.”
I tightened my hold on her. “I’m sorry.”
“No, I’m sorry.”
“I’m sorry.” I pressed my hips against hers. “And you better let me have the last word.”
Lanie giggled and tucked her face into the base of my neck. “I love you so much, Andrew.”
I sucked in a long breath, taking in those words, that moment, sealing them away in my heart where I could cherish them forever.
Chapter 63
Lanie
“I can’t believe this,” I said yet again, staring at the ring, switching my gaze to Andrew’s face, then repeating the cycle all over again. Him. My engagement ring. There was nothing else.
My engagement ring.
“It’s so beautiful,” I breathed.
And it was. The diamond sparkled. It was a princess cut jewel, bigger than one I’d ever thought I’d be comfortable wearing, but having it on my finger made me want to never take it off.
I loved how it caught the light, how the band was simple, taking nothing away from the diamond. I loved how it represented the love Andrew and I shared, was a testament to the things we’d been through, how it promised a future of happiness and combined strength.
Andrew brought my right hand to his lips and gently kissed it. “Thank god you said yes.”
Laughter burst from me. “This is what I was waiting for, Andrew. This.” Tears of relief and happiness made it impossible to go on.
“I know.” Andrew pulled me back into his chest, cradling me in his strong arms. “You needed confirmation,” he whispered. “I’m sorry I didn’t give it to you sooner.”
I wrapped my arms around him and breathed in deep. “Let’s stop apologizing,” I murmured. “This is the day we got engaged. Let’s make it happy from now on.”
He rubbed his nose in my hair. “Agreed.”
Engaged!
The words sent a thrill through me. Since the day I’d met Andrew, I knew something unlike anything I’d ever experienced was there. He made me feel things I’d only dreamed about.
Yet I’d been cautious, never wanting to get my hopes up. They’d been dashed too many times for me to run pell-mell into a romance.
Instead, I’d kept my cards close, afraid of the good things I did have being taken away.
Maybe I shouldn’t have been so careful. Maybe I should have been honest from the beginning. Perhaps then things would have worked out for me and Andrew sooner.
But no, I realized as he gripped me tighter and I disappeared into the perfect folds of his chest. This was how things were supposed to be. The difficult parts of our paths had made us who we were. We were stronger because of what we’d been through, and because of that, we had more to give each other.
Even when things didn’t feel perfect, in a strange way, they were right. They still gave us something.
Andrew ran his hand down the back of my head and lovingly cupped my lower back. Stepping back a bit, he looked down at me—the man who would be my husband.
How would I ever fully wrap my head around that thought?
“What do you want to do now?” he asked.
My head spun. I needed to tell Erica: I was engaged! And my parents, too. They would want to know as soon as possible.
But all of that was secondary.
“I want to be with you,” I answered.
“I was hoping that’s what you’d say.” Andrew dipped his head and pressed his warm, tender lips against mine.
“Wait.” He pulled away again and frowned. “I didn’t even ask if you’re free today. I just barged in here.”
I laughed, pressing my hands against his chest, the spot where they so comfortably rested. “I was cleaning up the kitchen and about to do some laundry. Trust me. You’re not ruining anything. But if I’d known I was going to be proposed to, I would have dressed up a bit more.”
“You’re perfect as you are,” he immediately answered in a husky voice that gave me sweet chills.
I cupped his face with both my hands, the diamond on the left still sparkling away. “This is amazing, Andrew. I mean, wow. When are we going to get married? Where are we going to live? Wait. Scratch that. I know you and Raven don’t want to move into this little apartment.”
Andrew laughed and ran his fingertips down the curve of my face. “We have plenty of time to figure all of that out. And, really, it’s up to you. I’ll give you any wedding you want. It can be on a beach in Indonesia or it can be at the courthouse next week.”
I took his hand in mine. “It’s up to both of us. We’re a team now.”
His eyes smoldered. “I like how that sounds.”
“Me, too,” I giggled.
Andrew took my mouth with his again, stifling the last of my laughter. His tongue brushed over mine, bringing me waves of warmth and peace. Love that I’d never experienced filled me up, till it felt like I was bursting at the seams.
Wrapping my arms around Andrew’s neck, I stood on my tiptoes in order to kiss him deeper. His palms pushed under my sweater, and his torso pressed against mine. We were melding together, open hearts and open bodies.
Primal desire stirred deep in me, mixing with the uncontainable love. The kiss took a more passionate turn, Andrew’s hands pushing higher up my back as his tongue stroked mine with a new ferocity.
Breaking off, I twisted his sweater in my hands. “You know, my bedroom is right down the hall.”
He cocked his head in dramatic interest. “Oh, you don’t say?”
“Mm-hmm.”
Without warning, he picked me up, hoisting me into his arms like a baby. I shrieked in surprise, and Andrew laughed. In no time at all, his long legs ate up the short journey between my kitchen and bedroom.
Gently laying me on the bed, Andrew stepped back and began stripping. His coat. Shoes. Pants. Shirt. It all hit the ground in record time. Sitting up on my forearms, I watched with hunger growing in my belly.
His boxers came off last, revealing a smooth dick hard and pointing right at me. The muscles in my groin all clenched together at once, and I gasped. I’d never get tired of looking at this man naked.
Luckily for me, I would get to do that for the rest of my life.
Andrew advanced on me, need flashing in his dark eyes. Our mouths collided, and we fell back onto the bed, my back pressed into the mattress. His hands went to mine right away, fingers intertwining as we kissed. Lust and love swirled through me, creating the perfect combination.
&nb
sp; This was it. This was what all of life was about, finding someone to love and giving them your everything.
Our kiss deepened, taking me to new levels of happiness. I squeezed Andrew’s hands, wanting to seal his palms to mine.
His lips broke from mine, taking my neck instead. I closed my eyes and rolled my head back, enjoying the licks and sucks on the most tender parts of my throat. Thrusting my hips up, I locked my legs around Andrew’s waist.
“Mine,” I whispered.
He chuckled against my neck, and I laughed as well—until a nibble on my ear had me gasping in pleasure.
“Andrew,” I sighed.
“Yes, my love?” he whispered, breath hot in my ear.
I couldn’t answer. The sensations filling my body and the feelings seizing my heart had rendered me breathless. I turned my face to the side and whimpered, blindly looking for his mouth.
Somehow, he knew what I needed. His lips covered mine, and his hands pushed my sweater up. We briefly broke the kiss so he could push the top over my head, but then we went right back to it, kissing as he unhooked my bra and pushed my pants down.
Finally, we were both naked, Andrew’s form fitting perfectly against mine. I could feel my nipples tightening, goosebumps rising on my arms and legs. Andrew reached down, broad palm sweeping over my stomach and mound before coming to cup the spot between my thighs.
He pressed firmly there, sending a jolt of pleasure and unbearable need through me. I moaned out his name, but his kiss ate it right up. On and on we kissed, our bodies falling into a natural rocking.
Andrew’s fingers stroked along my opening, and a rush of heat and liquid flowed from me. Working a finger inside of me, he smoothly thrust in and out. I groaned into his mouth, pushing myself against his hand like a wild beast.
I was desperate, ravenous for more. I wanted this man’s body, heart, and soul. I needed to give him everything I could, to open myself up to him and let him do what he chose to.
He’d proven his love to me, and I would never doubt him again.
My pleasure peaked, sending me cascading over the edge. I cried out, my mouth smashing against the side of Andrew’s face.
“Mm,” he murmured, rubbing the tip of his nose against my cheek.
I gasped for air.
“I love you,” he whispered, saying the words I’d been trying for.
“Yes,” I gasped, pushing all ten of my fingers through his hair. I lifted my hips up against his, and he rolled smoothly over, landing with me on top of him.
With my legs straddling his hips, I collapsed onto his chest. Firm arms pulled me in closer, and I buried my face in Andrew’s neck, breathing long and deep.
His hands got busy again, running over my hips and squeezing my butt. I kissed the side of his stubbly jaw, and he turned his lips to mine. I could feel them curving, the smile there making me grin as well.
“I,” Andrew kissed me, “love,” Another kiss, “everything about you.”
I giggled, wiggling myself farther down his torso. His length brushed against my inner thigh, its throb impossible to miss.
“You want me, huh?” I teased.
Andrew seized the roots of my hair. It was a possessive move, one that made me gasp in surprise and joy.
“You have no idea,” he growled.
I laughed harder, and he dug both hands into my ass cheeks. “I can’t wait any longer, baby.”
“Oh, really?” I teased, sitting straight up and making a show of arching my back, thrusting my breasts forward.
Andrew licked his lips, desire glinting in his eyes.
Kissing my two fingers, I pressed them against his mouth. “Don’t go anywhere.”
“Yeah, right.” He laughed.
Grinning, I hopped off the bed and rushed into my bathroom. The box of condoms was on the shelf in there. Andrew hardly ever came over to my place, but I’d made sure to stock up just in case.
Grabbing one from the first box, I sprinted back into the bedroom. Andrew had hauled himself up to sitting. He leaned against the baseboard, hands laced behind his head.
“Hi,” I breathed.
“Hey,” he smiled.
Jumping back into bed, I opened the condom and rolled it onto his length as he kissed me. With his girth fully covered, Andrew seized my hips—not that I needed any encouragement. I was already straddling him, hands on his shoulders.
Sinking slowly down, I looked into Andrew’s eyes as his tip pierced me. His hands on my hips, he guided me farther down, helping me bury his entire length.
“Andrew,” I moaned.
“Yes, baby?” He lovingly rubbed the back of my neck.
“I love you,” I sighed.
“I love you too.” He leaned forward, and I met him halfway.
Our lips collided as I rocked against him, each thrust bringing us closer together. I held onto his shoulders with all of my strength as his hands went everywhere. My hips. My back. My stomach. My breasts. My face. He didn’t miss a single part of my body, instead taking his time to stroke and cherish each section.
My bliss doubled, and I burst with a cry. Wrapping his arms around me, Andrew flipped me over with one smooth movement. His weight pressed down against me, his delicious scent intoxicating. Our tongues danced together as he thrust deep into me.
I could feel the intention with each move. He was claiming me. Making me his.
“You’re mine forever,” Andrew huskily whispered against my lips.
I smiled at knowing I’d been right on the nose.
Seizing my mouth, he kissed me hungrily. I pressed my palms against his back, relishing the way the muscles bunched together as he moved.
With a grunt, Andrew released deep into me. His thrusting stilled, but his kisses became even more frantic.
Looping our arms around each other, we kissed on and on, time melting away.
At some point, Andrew lifted off me with a sigh of pleasure. Taking my hand, he helped me sit up. Instead of getting out of bed, though, we fell back against the pillows with a laugh.
Snuggling up against his chest, I traced the lines of his abs and pecs with my fingertip. The diamond glittered there, each turn of my wrist showing it off in a new light.
Andrew lazily rubbed my arm, and I sighed in happiness. My head pounded in that good way that meant I’d just pushed myself to the edge, and my heart brimmed with joy.
Visions of our future together floated in front of me. When I imagined our years together, everything looked perfect but, really, not that different. More refined was how things would be. I would still be at my job and Andrew would be at his.
But we’d be a family. Me. Him. Raven.
Just as it was meant to be.
“Does Raven know about this?” I asked.
Andrew’s hand rested on top of mine. “Not yet.”
I sat up so I could look at him. “You didn’t tell her you were going to propose?”
“Nope.” He grinned, looking pleased with himself.
“How do you know she’ll be happy?” I teased.
Andrew threw his head back as he laughed, and I joined in.
“Let’s get over there.” He cupped my chin and gave me a delicate kiss. “She’s expecting me back.”
I dressed as fast as I could—a difficult task considering Andrew and I couldn’t keep our hands off each other. Finally clothed, we walked to his car with clasped hands, smiling ear to ear.
The ring felt strange under my glove, but I liked it. I wondered if I’d become so used to wearing it that I’d forget it was there.
It’ll be on my finger for the rest of my life.
I looked over at Andrew, who was pulling into traffic. There wasn’t even a sliver of doubt. This was the right decision.
“What are you grinning about?” he asked.
“Nothing.” I smiled wider and reached for his hand, having everything in the world to be happy over.
At the hospital, Andrew barely knocked on the door before bursting into Raven’s r
oom.
“Announce yourself next time,” she snarled, looking up from her phone. Surprise ran over her face as she caught sight of me. “Oh.”
“Did Jason come by?” Andrew asked.
“He left.” Raven’s eyes fell to our clasped hands, and her face brightened considerably. “What’s going on?” she slowly asked.
Andrew and I shared a glance.
“Raven,” he started, but then she shrieked.
“What are you wearing?” She sat up straighter in bed, staring at my left hand. “Lanie, what is that?”
“This?” I held my hand up, putting the glimmering rock on full display.
“Did you—are you? Wait, what?” Raven sputtered through each word.
Andrew cleared his throat. “Listen, Raven.” His voice was more serious than I’d expected it to be, and I quickly looked back at him. Was he nervous?
“You were right,” he went on. “Lanie is good for both of us. The three of us together, we make a great team.” He squeezed my hand. “That should be cherished and cared for. I asked Lanie to marry me.”
“No way.” Raven’s attention snapped between the two of us. “You didn’t tell me you were going to propose.”
“I know, and I’m sorry. I—”
“This is amazing!” Raven cried. Her tears flowed from out of nowhere. “Oh my god. This is so awesome.”
I’d never seen someone sob from happiness before, but Raven got right down to it. The sight made my own tears appear, and before I knew it, I was sitting on the edge of the bed, hugging her as we both bawled our eyes out.
“You’re going to be my stepmom,” Raven sniffled.
“I know,” I cried. “It’s crazy.”
“Let me see it.”
I untangled my arms from her shoulders to show her the ring.
“Wow,” she breathed. “Nice job, Dad.”
Andrew chuckled from behind me. “Thanks.”
“What now?” Raven asked. “When is the wedding? We have to plan it! Oh my god, I just saw the cutest idea for wedding glasses. You use mason jars with a blackboard on them and everyone writes their name in chalk.” She picked up her phone, talking a mile a minute. “Okay, first things first, we have to start a Pinterest board. That way we can keep track of all our ideas. Do you want an outdoor wedding or a church one? And where are we doing this? Here? Ooh, how about a beach wedding?”
