Page 279 of Fame & Chaos

Indi quietly slips off toward the bedroom, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

A minute later, she walks back into the room. The afternoon sun pours in behind her, wrapping her in golden light until she almost looks like she’s glowing.

I smile. “What are you up to?”

She walks over before slowly lowering herself onto one knee.

My smile disappears.

She reaches for my hand, her eyes already shimmering, and a knot forms in my stomach.

“Baby… what’s wrong?”

She gently strokes the back of my hand with her thumb before taking a slow breath. “Caleb, these last few days you’ve shown so much love for your cousins. Watching how fiercely you care about the people in your life…” She smiles through watery eyes. “It’s made me fall even more in love with you.”

Emotion catches in her throat. “You make me stronger. You make every day brighter just by being in it. After everything we’ve been through, I can’t imagine a future that doesn’t have you standing beside me.” She squeezes my hand. “I want every tomorrow with you…” Her voice trembles.

“So…” A smile breaks across her face. “Caleb… will you marry me?”

For a second, my brain stops working, and I stare at her with my mouth hanging open. “Are you serious?”

She laughs through her tears. “Very serious.”

A grin slowly spreads across my face. “What would you do if I said no?”

She stands, closing the distance until her lips brush mine. “Go on…” she whispers with a teasing smile. “Try saying no.” Then she kisses me softly, and I smile against her lips.

She already knows I can’t.

Hell…

I’ve wanted this for years.

I rest my forehead against hers. “You mean it, Indi? Because if you’re messing with me…” My voice drops. “It’ll destroy me.”

She kisses me again. “Marry me, Caleb.” Her smile softens. “I want to be your wife. Forever.”

I wrap my arms around her waist and pull her onto my lap. “If we get married…” I brush a strand of hair behind her ear, “… everyone will know. They’ll know who you are. They’ll know we’re together.” I search her face. “Are you ready for that?”

She doesn’t hesitate. “I love you.” Her hand cups my cheek. “I trust you.” She smiles. “I’m ready.”

My chest feels too full for my heart.

She reaches behind her back and finally reveals the ring box she’d been hiding.

I laugh. “You planned this.”

“I might have.” She hands me the box.

Inside sits the ring, and she extends her left hand.

My fingers shake almost as much as hers as I slide it onto her finger—it fits perfectly.

Like it was always meant to be there.

Like she was always meant to be mine.

Finally.