Page 94 of The Long Game

“I’ve had this ring since the day we had lunch with the family. I saw you when I walked out of the jewelry store. You were on a date with Sebastian.”

“Oh god, Tucker, I…”

He shakes my words away.

“Your dad gave me his blessing the day I came to ask you out to dinner in your office. He told me that I deserved you and it was the first time I ever believed it. I didn’t realize that all these years we’ve struggled… I didn’t genuinely believe I deserved someone as incredible as you. Some nights, I hold you while you’re sleeping, and I still can’t believe you let me be the man to get to do it. But I promise you Lexi Simone Benson, just like I did in this very spot sixteen years ago… I’ll protect you with everything I am, until my very last breath. Marry me?”

“Yes, oh my God, YES!” Emotions clog the words.

He stands, and I throw my arms around his neck and kiss him as we sway on the dock. He pulls me up against his chest and holds me there.

“Don’t let me go,” I whisper.

“We’ll never be apart again, I promise.”