Page 248 of Shhh…It’s A Killer Story

"So..."

His voice became rough again.

"Seraphina Joey Calloway..."

The entire world seemed to stop breathing.

"Will you marry me?"

"YES!"

I didn't even let him finish lowering the box. I launched myself at him. He barely had time to catch me before we both toppled backwards into the flowers. He hit the grass with a grunt. I landed squarely on top of him. He laughed. Deep. Warm. Real. I wrapped my arms around his neck so tightly I thought I might never let go again. He buried his face in my shoulder, laughing into my neck while my tears soaked the collar of his shirt.

"I love you."

"I love you."

"I love you."

Neither of us knew who was saying it anymore. Maybe both. Maybe neither. Maybe we'd become the same heartbeat.

Inside my head...Silence.

"Well."

Frank sounded genuinely speechless.

"I'll be damned."

Gerald sniffed.

"I always knew she'd trap him."

"You literally bet against them."

"I was testing character development."

Frank groaned.

"You owe me twenty bucks."

"I don't carry cash."

"You've had thirty-seven years to prepare."

I pulled back just enough to look at Elias. He was still staring at me like I'd hung every single star in the sky. God… He really loved me. The terrifying thing? I loved him just as much. Maybe more. I brushed my thumb across his cheek. He slipped the ring onto my finger. Perfect fit. Then I leaned close until my lips almost brushed his ear.

"I am never letting you go..."

I whispered. I looked at him for one long moment. I kissed him.

Then...

I turned my head. Slowly. Deliberately. Until I was looking directly at you.

Yes. You. Still here? I knew you would be. You made it through every page. Every lie. Every murder. Every confession. Every kiss.

My smile softened.