by K. G. Reuss
I nod, feeling breathless. It’s now or never. I turn back to Teddy.
“I have a surprise for you,” I say, brushing my lips along her jaw.
“Mm, I love surprises.”
“Liar.”
She laughs softly, and I give her a gentle squeeze.
“I’ll be right back.”
She kisses me again, and it takes all I have to walk away from her. But I know the outcome will be worth it. At least I hope so. I spot her parents moving toward her in the crowd. Even her brother and sister made it out. It warms my heart to see the smile on her face as she rushes to greet them.
“Sweetheart,” my mother calls out to me. I turn to her. “I have my camera ready. And Ernie is here to photograph.” She points in the direction of the photographer she’s started dating. He’s a nice guy, and I’ve found myself loving his work. It’s just more things that scream this is meant to be.
“Are you OK?” Mom asks as I adjust my collar.
“Nervous,” I laugh, running my fingers through my hair. Mom and I are close now. We visit one another often, and she adores Teddy. I couldn’t ask for more. Well, I could. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do.
“Don’t be. She loves you.” Mom kisses my cheek before moving back into the crowd. I breathe out to calm myself before finding Luke. Derek already has everything set up for Luke to play.
“Ready?” Luke grins, grabbing his guitar.
“Yes,” I nod. I glance out to the crowd of partygoers and see Teddy talking with her family still. Phil and his wife have joined them. This is it.
“Good evening, everyone!” Luke’s voice booms out. The room goes quiet, the excitement coursing through. Luke also took home an award tonight—Best Country Album. He’s become a bit of a star.
“First off, I want to thank Carter and Teddy for having us here tonight.”
The partygoers cheer loudly. Luke grins out at them.
“Second, I want to say how damn good it is to see Carter George cancer free and living life!”
More cheers from the guests. I grin out at them, meeting Teddy’s eye. She’s moved to the front and is watching me, confusion on her face.
“And last, I am honored to have met this man. Carter George, you changed my entire world. And I thank you for it. It’s been a hell of a ride for all of us.”
He nods at me. It’s hard for me not to shed a tear. I wipe it away quickly and fix a shaky smile on my face.
“Now, I’m not here tonight to fanboy over Carter.” The crowd laughs and even I crack a grin.
Luke continues. “I’m here tonight because Carter wrote a song for his beloved Teddy, and he wants to sing it for her. He’s not as big of a songbird as she is, but let’s give him this moment, shall we?”
People are murmuring and cheering. Some pull their phones out. I hadn’t planned on a live stream but to hell with it. Luke strums his guitar, and I belt out the first verse of the song I wrote for her.
You say I rescued you
But baby, you rescued me
Without you in my life
This life would cease to be
I know things get hard
I know things get rough
I know things can be a bit too much
But with you by my side
this life will always be
perfect enough
I love you with everything I am
We were meant to be
Oh, Teddy Bear
Will you please marry me?
The crowd gasps as my last note rings out and I get to one knee, the velvet box open and poised for her. My eyes remain locked on Teddy’s, as they have been the entire time I’ve been singing. Derek helps her to me. Her trembling hands move to wipe her tears away as I remain kneeling in front of her, mic still in hand.
“Teddy, you’re a streak of lightning that shot into my dark world. I was sick and dying and hated the man I was. You called me a monster then admitted to your own evils, and we made a pact to unite in our monsterdom. Then and there, I knew I loved you. You never left my side, and in my darkest of days, I told you I wanted to marry you. Nothing has changed. If anything, I want you more. So what do you say, Teddy Bear? Another adventure with me?”
I hold my breath, waiting for her to speak. She lets out a sob, tears rolling down her cheeks as she nods yes. I let out the breath I’m holding and push the diamond ring onto her shaking fingers before getting to my feet and pulling her in for a hug.
“I love you, baby,” I say fiercely, holding her tight.
“I love you too, Carter.” She giggles breathlessly, sniffling, her holding me just as tightly.
I plant a deep kiss on her tear-soaked lips as the crowd cheers in the background.
“I think we may have a number one hit.” I grin down at her, breaking away.
“I couldn’t agree more.”
And with that, I haul her back into my arms, thanking God for a little bit of karma and a whole lot of Teddy.
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About K.G. Reuss
K.G Reuss is a USA Today and international bestselling author. Contemporary and paranormal romance with a splash of urban fantasy are her favorite genres to write.
She was born and raised in northern Michigan. She currently resides there with her husband, her children, and a few ghosts. K.G. is the author of The Everlasting Chronicles series, Emissary of the Devil series, The Chronicles of Winterset series, and Seven Minutes in Heaven.
When K.G. Reuss isn't pursuing her love for reading and writing, she is working in emergency medicine.
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About C.M. Lally
C.M. Lally is a Contemporary romance author, specializing in the Sports romance and Steamy romance sub-genres.
She has always been a bookaholic, often getting lost in the library for hours inside a good romance. She’s in love with happily ever after and often combines her passion for writing with an even deeper love of music. She adores matching strong, bold, and sassy women with the men who can handle them.
She’s a small town girl with big city #sassitude. She resides in Cincinnati, Ohio, where life is as unpredictable as the weather and the alpha heroes she adores. If close by, stop for a long chat, some chocolate, and a few laughs. She’s always good for any or all three.
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