Page 59 of Warrior

Her fingers shake as they grab it. My last time home, I found the stump and enlisted my dad and AJ to help get a chunk out of it. I carved it into the shape of a heart, much like the one I carved into the bark years ago. On the inside of this new piece, I added our initials, C.S. + L.T.

“Colt,” she says my name, her voice full of emotion.

Taking her hand in mind, I kiss her wrist and her lips. “Loving you was the best decision I ever made. It kept me alive. It made me grow. Being with you is my dream, Lyric.” I slide the sparkling band with the emerald cut diamond on her finger.

“Lyric, I will love you forever. I may never deserve you, but I will work every day to be the man you can trust, depend on, and the one who will be with you through anything life throws at us. Will you marry me?”

Her eyes are shining and she wears a beautiful smile when our eyes meet. “Yes! Colt, I love you so much, yes.”

She jumps into my arms and I catch her effortlessly. She grabs my face and our mouths collide in a kiss that sends my heart racing and sets my soul on fire. She is perfect; she is everything.

I pull back and set her on her feet before dropping more news. “And just so you know, your mom did help me pick out this ring.”

“You talked to my parents?” she asks, her eyes widening in surprise.

“Of course, babe,” I respond, kissing her knuckles. “It’s important to them and you. Your dad gave his blessing.”

Lyric jumps up and down, and we make the calls to our families to tell them the good news. After a while, we ride back into town and park on the main street to eat and celebrate. I takeher hand in mine and lead her to the restaurant when she pulls me back.

“Colt,” Lyric calls my name, and I turn to look at her. There’s a mischievous smirk on her lips.

My brow rises. “Yeah, baby?”

“This ring is gorgeous, but don’t you think I need something a little more permanent? To show I’m yours?” Her eyes flick left, and I follow her gaze to the neon pink sign that reads TATTOOS in the window of the tattoo shop.

I stalk over to Lyric, and my hands graze her sides. Her body trembles and I grasp her hips tightly, pulling her body into mine. “You want to ink your skin for me, baby?”

“Mhm,” she murmurs, her lips lightly grazing the skin on my neck. “I want your mark on me.”

Holy fuck. Those have got to be the sexiest words she’s ever said to me. Bending down, I shove my shoulder into her side and lift her over my shoulder to carry her across the street.

“Oh my god, Colt!” She laughs and swats at my back.

People passing by us either smile or look concerned and I manage to wave. “It's okay, she said yes, we’re getting married,” I tell them. My words are met with congratulations and clapping after that.

At the door, I set her down and grip her chin, forcing her eyes to mine. “Are you sure?”

“Are you sure you want to marry me?” she quips back, and I can’t help but smile.

“Come on then, baby.” I usher her inside.

We each tell the artist what we want, and I do mean we. If she’s getting ink for me, I’m definitely getting something done for her. Mine will take longer, I know it, so I make sure she goes first.

Lyric barely flinches and soon a cursive “C” is on her ring finger. The end of the letter loops slightly, and I notice it forms a “K.” Colt. Karma.

I go next, and after, I ask him to let Lyric in before he wraps it. She’s frowning when she comes back. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I just want you to see.” Turning, I show her the side where my scar is from the knife.

Her hands jump to her mouth and her eyes widen, looking at the design. “It's beautiful. You did that for me? I love you so much.” She grabs my face and kisses my lips hard.

Her name is over the scar, surrounded by red roses. “Love. You are love to me, always, baby.”

“Always, Colt,” she promises right then and there.

This is how we promise our future to each other. This is our symbol of commitment. Our vows. This is our forever, inked with love.

The End