Page 71 of Trying Not to Need You

Something in my chest tightens, but it’s not fear this time. “Good,” I say softly. “Because I don’t think I know how to do it any other way.”

She studies me for a second longer, like she’s committing the moment to memory, before pressing her forehead against mine. She doesn’t pull back right away. When she eventually does, it’s slow, as if she’s reluctant to put even an inch of space between us. Her arms are still wrapped around my neck as her eyes search my face, like she’s suddenly seeing me clearly for the first time.

“You said something to me that first night you made me dinner,” she begins, her voice still a little unsteady. “You said you were going to make me fall in love with you.”

“I made you a promise, and I kept it,” I say, kissing the tip of her nose. There’s a hint of pride in my voice because I’m damn proud to call her mine.

She lifts the album slightly between us. “This?” she says softly. “This is action speaking louder than words. You said that you would show me, and you have in so many ways, but this…” Her voice trails off as she glances at the album again.

My breath catches, the words hitting me harder than anything else she could’ve said. Because I did promise her, and I’m a man of my word, especially where she’s concerned. I was never afraid to put in the work to show her what she means to me.

“But now,” she continues, and there’s a shift in the air. I can’t see it, but I can feel it. “I need you to do something for me.”

“Anything.”

“Marry me, Macklin.”

The words settle between us, clear, steady, impossible to take back.

For a second, I just stare at her, because my brain is trying to process what she said. Did she just⁠—

“What?” I breathe, because I need to hear her say it again.

Her expression softens, as does the smile that tilts her lips. “Macklin McBride, you kept your promise. You showed up for me every day. You’ve been steady and strong in your love for me, and never once pushed me for more than I was ready to give. I know that this isn’t how these things are done, but I’ve spent so much time trying not to love again, to put my heart out there. During that time, you were patient and gave me the time that I needed. Tonight, this”—she holds up the album—“is years of loving me that I was never able to see. I heard your words, and I believed them, eventually.” She laughs lightly and presses the album back against her chest, over her heart.

I grip her hips because I don’t know what else to do with my hands. I need to hold on to her, to anchor her to me, or I’ll fall flat on my face here in the middle of my kitchen floor. The woman I love is asking me to marry her.

Holy shit!

“I don’t want to waste any more time pretending I’m not all in,” she continues. “Because I am. I’m so far in, it’s actually a little terrifying.” She smiles. “I love you, Macklin McBride. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want the baby we’re working on.” She waggles her eyebrows, and we both laugh. “I want the life we’re building. I want you to be my husband. You’re my world, Macklin. You’ve taught me so much about myself by just allowing me to be me and find my way again. I want you by my side for the rest of forever. You carried me with you everywhere,” she adds quietly. “I always want to be where you are. Will you marry me?” she asks again.

I let out a shaky exhale as my hands move to rest against her cheeks. Touching her anchors me to the moment. This is one I never want to forget. “You’re stealing my thunder, baby,” I tease.

“That’s not a no.” She grins.

“Baylor, there is nothing in this world I want more than to call you my wife. I’d marry you every day of forever if you’d let me.”

“That means yes, right?” she asks, raising her eyebrows, and the sass is back.

“That’s a hell yes,” I tell her, pressing my lips to hers.

I love her with every part of me, but if she thinks this is our only proposal, she is seriously mistaken. Because what she doesn’t know is that today, when I had to go a couple of towns over, I also picked up her engagement ring. I wasn’t sure when I was going to ask her, but I knew I needed it for when the moment felt right. Sure, I could give it to her now, but she got her moment. Now, I want mine.

“I love you,” she whispers against my lips.

“I love you, too, Mrs. McBride.”

A breathtaking smile takes over her face. “Now, about those cuddles,” she says.

I toss my head back in laughter and lift her from the island. She wraps her arms and legs around me, and I carry her to the couch. She tosses the album next to us as I pull the blanket off the back and cover us.

It’s the perfect way to end the day. Cuddling my future wife.

Nineteen

Baylor

I bury my face in Macklin’s neck, where I’m sitting on his lap in the recliner of our living room. Meanwhile, Ellison is fussing over every little detail, reminding my grandparents of things they already know. It’s taking extreme effort not to crack up laughing.