Page 139 of Rumor Has It

“But you’ve lived there for years, in Burbank.” I bite my lip in response to my stomach flipping over and over.

He raises up, releasing a sigh. “It took me some time, but I think it feels like home. I used all of our favorite colors, didn’t you notice?”

“Boone, that would mean…” And there it is, the hope of being enough. So much so, he never counted me out.

He pushes off the desk, coming to a stop in front of me. “Kenzie, from the moment I laid eyes on you, I saw who you were, but when my soul felt you… I was lost to you forever.”

“I’ve always felt you were my once in a lifetime, but could never figure out how I would be enough.” I wipe a stray tear.

“There isn’t anything in this world I want more than you. You’ve always been more than enough for me; it was you who needed convincing.” He stands before me, close enough to touch, more than I could ever ask for.

“No matter how we separated time, distance, or problem, you’ve loved me even when I was your biggest heartache. I’ve wanted you my entire life, and you mean more to me than all the pain could ever hurt me.” My heart begins to beat as if there’s life after death.

He lifts his hand, hesitating. I reach for it, placing it on my side and holding it there. “Kenzie, you’ve got to promise me. This time is it.”

“Boone, there’s never been any other. You’ve been my always since forever.” I search his face for understanding, for love because I’m weak.

He slides his free hand around my neck as he digs his fingers into the small of my back. His lips brush mine, stopping short of taking them. “I can’t live this life without you by my side. I need you as much as I want you. Marry me, not because either of us are perfect or have it all figured out. Marry me because I am what you need to breathe. Marry me because without you I am but a shell of a man. Marry me so that I can spend the rest of our lives telling you everything I never did, but always should have. Marry me, be my friend, my lover, my children’s mother, the love of my life; be my wife, Kenzie.”

“Always.” He takes my mouth, speaking to my soul and loving all of my worst parts. He holds me close, kissing me until I forget that I ever thought I wasn’t enough.

There’s a little knock on the door, and I pull away, grabbing the handle. Boone stops me, a frown on his face. “What about the test?”

“Hang on.” I open the door, letting Rumor in. She rushes him, clutching him as tightly as possible until he squats, wrapping her in his arms. “Rumor, why don’t you tell Boone what you decided about the test.”

“We can get it. We don’t need Reed and even if we don’t get it, it doesn’t matter to me.” She hugs him closer.

“Why doesn’t it matter, Rumor?” I prompt her to go on. She pulls back, gazing into his face.

“Because, Boone’s my daddy. I’m Boo Baby, Boone’s Baby. I don’t need a dad, but I want you to be my dad.” Her brows pull together when he starts crying. He grasps her to his chest, kissing her head over and over.

“Always, Boo. You’ve always been my baby girl.” He stands, bringing her with him. She dangles like a rag doll, she’s so long. I meet him halfway, locking my arms around them both as best I can.