AllFreeNovel
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“He’s the best. But there’s a story, a huge story, behind our relationship.” I lean my head on his shoulder, my heart warms, so happy he’s here.
“He told me.”
I jerk my head up. “He did. And you still think…” I wince, afraid he’ll change his mind about him.
“So, it was an unconventional way to meet,” he shrugs. “Look at how most the youngsters meet now, online. Talk about being impersonal.”
We step into the elevator. “But—“
“No, buts. He’s told me how much he loves you and I believe him. He told me about the Lighthouse and the work you’ve started there. Ell, I’m so proud of you. I really wish I could’ve been here to see you graduate.”
“I know. But thanks to Kase, you can visit anytime you want,” I say as we walk down the hallway. Kase is already in the apartment by the time we get there and as soon as I walk in, I freeze. He’s down on his knee, holding my ring up. “Kase, what—”
He holds his finger to his lips, stopping me. “I actually never thought I’d have to do this again, but this is the important one. I got approval from your dad this time.” I glance at my dad and he’s sitting on the chair, watching us, smiling. Kase pulls in a deep breath and I run my hand through his hair. “We’re secret-free this time…” He pauses with a lifted brow and I nod. He blows out a quick breath, making me laugh. “Ellie, you were always my destination, even though our starting point was flawed. Your heart is one of a kind and it’s mine. I love you with everything I am, and I promise to not make you swim in the ocean.”
I cover my burst of laughter with my hand.
“Ellie, will you marry me? For sure this time?”
“Yes,” I murmur through my tears. He slips the ring on my finger and the wind tunnel I’ve been stuck in the last month slows down. Everything suspends in the surrounding air, the quiet moment bringing clarity. My life might be a puzzle, but with Kase by my side, I’ll always be able to piece it together.
* * *
Ugh! I groan, staring at Kase walk around the apartment in his board shorts and then plop on the couch. No shirt. Abs on display like a jewelry store case, the one you’d like to have one of everything in. He cannot walk around here half naked. I stomp over and stand right in front of him. He’s reading a magazine, so I wait for him to glance up. He lifts his head and flashes a sexy half-smile.
“Ellie?” He cocks his head to the side, probably wondering why I’m irritated.
“So, I know you and your ego barely fit into this room and as much as you think it’s so, your dick is not going to kill me.”
He belts out a laugh. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“You won’t. It’s been two months and I’ve been given the green light to do all activities.”
“Your doctor doesn’t know how big I am,” he jokes. I smack my forehead knowing he’s being serious despite his playful tone.
“I specifically asked her if I could ride a Cowboy.”
His brows pop up. “And what was her response?”
I climb on top of him, straddling his hips.
“‘Giddy up, cowgirl.’”
Epilogue
Ellie
A YEAR Later
Serendipitous.
That’s our family, our story unique and puzzling, and explaining it takes longer than I care to, so it’s rare I share the story in its entirety. I gaze at the family picture we just took on the camera’s screen and the only appropriate response is to laugh. It’s been a year and I’m still trying to grasp how we got here.
Everly and I have grown close. She tells me about Kase when he was young, but we don’t talk about them as a couple. When we looked at each other as sisters rather than the women Kase loved, the bond forged quickly. Considering she lives close, we spend a lot of time together.
And I wouldn’t wish it any other way.
“Would you lay the camera down and come dance with me, woman?” Kase insists, grabbing the camera out of my hands himself.
