Page 54 of Saving Scarlett

“Wow,” I whispered, unable to tear my eyes away from the picturesque scene before me. “This is incredible, Ethan.”

Turning off the ignition, he twisted in his seat, leaning forward to kiss me, lingering just long enough to fill my core with heat. “Only the best for you. With all the chaos of the city, I thought you could benefit from some time away. I thought we both could.”

With our bags in hand, we crossed the threshold of the cozy cabin, the warmth of the crackling fireplace wrapping around me like a comforting embrace. My gaze wandered to the sliding glass door leading out to a deck where a hot tub bubbled. I loved the cottage we’d stayed at in Alabama, but this one was on a whole other level. I’d never been anywhere like it.

“Has someone been here setting up for us or something?”

Dropping our bags on the floor near the bed, he pulled me into his arms. “”I have my ways of getting things done, Little Red. Are you okay with staying here for a few days?” he asked, his breath warm against my skin. “Or longer?”

I grinned against his chest, the warmth of his body and his scent nearly sending my eyes back into my head. “Thank you. This means more to me than you’ll ever know.”

When I leaned back to look him in the eyes, he wrapped his arms around my waist and lifted me until my legs were around his waist, pulling me in to kiss him.

The feeling was electric, a jolt that seemed to pass through both of us. His lips were passionate yet tender, and the way he held me close was almost protective. Our hearts beat in unison as his fingers tangled in my hair, sending a delightful shiver down my spine.

Kissing his way from my lips to my ear, he whispered, “It’s my duty in life to fill yours with moments that take your breath away and replace every bad memory in your stunning mind with amazing ones.”

I thought I might faint from the intensity of emotion that passed between us with his words. He was a lethal man with a poet’s soul, my man was the paradox who had my whole heart.

Setting me back on the ground, he reached out to take hold of my hand again and brought it up to his lips to kiss it tenderly. “You’re mine now, mon joli petit amant. You’re mine to protect, to please, to carry you when you’re too tired to walk. You’re mine, and I am yours.”

With my heart full, and his hand in mine, we walked outside to the deck. There was a crackling fire pit nearby, casting flickering shadows over the trees, making me wonder if he’d had someone start the fire before we arrived at the cabin. Knowing Ethan, the refrigerator was also stocked. He always found a way of taking care of everything, even if he wasn’t there.

As the crisp mountain air nipped at my cheeks, I inhaled deeply, savoring the scent of pine and smoke that filled the night. It was a reminder of our time in Alabama—the good times.

Approaching the fire, he lowered me into one of the chairs and sat beside me. “I have a surprise for you,” he said, a hint of mischief in the twist of his lips.

“Another surprise?” Butterflies swirled in my stomach as I watched him, wondering what he would do next. The weekend getaway had already exceeded my expectations, but I’d learned that he always had something up his sleeves.

“Of course.” His blue eyes reflected the fire light. A moment later, he pulled out a small bag containing Graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars. “A campfire wouldn’t be complete without s’mores.”

I nodded, stifling a giggle as giddiness flooded me. “I agree.”

While the fire blazed in front of us, keeping the December chill, which was so much colder up in the mountains, out of my bones, his arm wrapped around my waist as he told me stories about camping when he was a child. I loved listening to him recount tales of how much trouble he and his sister always got into. Though I felt like I’d known him forever, there was still so much we had to share. I’d met his sister a few times, but I looked forward to the day when Evelyn would be able to leave the hospital and we would be able to do more things as a family.

“Scarlett,” he said, drawing my attention away from the fire. It was rare that he called me by my real name, so when he did, I knew whatever he had to say was serious. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

My heart skipped a beat as I met his gaze, the wire holding my marshmallow lowering to my lap. “What is it?”

The vulnerability in his eyes as he looked into mine took me by surprise. He was always so confident—so strong. I was the vulnerable one.

“You mean so much to me, Little Red,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “Being with you has changed me in ways I never thought possible. I never thought I’d find someone who could understand me, who could see beyond the darkness that surrounds me. But you do. You’ve shown me that there’s more to my life than the shadows that once consumed me. You’ve shown me what it means to love and be loved, and I can’t imagine my life without you.”

Before I could respond, my heart hanging on his every word, Ethan took a deep breath, reached into his pocket, and pulled out a small velvet box. My mouth fell open, my heart rate speeding to an erratic pace as he lowered himself on one knee before me, the firelight dancing across his face.

“Scarlett,” he said, his voice steady despite the tears brimming in his eyes. “I may still believe you are too good for me, but I will work the rest of my life to be a man who is worthy of you, if you will do me the honor of spending the rest of your life with me?”

I stared at him as the enormity of the moment settled over me. Love, fear, and hope swirled together inside me, leaving me without breath—without words. But as I looked at Ethan—this beautiful, broken man who had fought for me, protected me, and loved me—I knew there was only one answer I could give.

“Yes,” I whispered, my voice choking on my surge of emotions. “Yes, Ethan. I will marry you.”

The End…