Grabbing my keys, I threw the door open, sprinting to my car. I’d fucked up the first try, but I was determined that the second one would be better—more traditional, at least.
Digging through the well in the center console, I grabbed the item I’d kept hidden there for months, never knowing when I might need it but wanting to be prepared.
I rushed through the front door, not even bothering to kick off my shoes as I bounded up the steps.
Gemma took one look at my windswept appearance, and a wrinkle formed between her brows. “What’s gotten into you?”
Words weren’t needed; my following actions would be explanation enough.
Dropping to one knee, I brought the velvet box I’d retrieved from my car into view.
Eyes going wide, Gemma shook her head. “Sasha, what are you doing?”
“This isn’t a knee-jerk reaction. I’ve been waiting for the right moment.” I chuckled. “More like I was waiting for you to be ready because I’ve always known you were the one.”
Leaning down, she covered my hands. “Don’t do this.”
There was no stopping this now. Not when my wants and her needs had found a way to collide.
“Marry me, Gemma. Forget the past and create a new future with me.”
Her eyes squeezed shut, and a sad smile formed on her lips. “I can’t. I’m sorry.”
Those words sliced my heart wide open, but still, I forced myself to ask, “Why not?”
Gemma dropped to her knees opposite me, regret written in her eyes. “You think this is what’s going to save me, and God, how I wish it were. But I know the truth. If I say yes, it’s condemning you right alongside me. I’ll be the one dragging you under instead of you pulling me out.”
She knew her world better than I did, but I wasn’t done fighting for her yet. Her answer might be a no today, but deep down, I had faith that one day it would turn into a yes. I didn’t care how long it took. I would still be right here.
“Okay.” I nodded.
Arching an eyebrow, she sighed. “I’ve been on the receiving end of thatokaya few too many times to believe you’re going to drop this.”
I shrugged. “What do you want me to do, Gemma? Throw a tantrum like a toddler who didn’t get their way and walk out that door because you said no? Will that make you feel better?”
“No, but I’ve seen how you operate. You’re a sneaky motherfucker when you want something, Sasha.”
An idea struck.
“How about this.” I pressed the ring box into her hands. “You hold onto this.”
“Sasha, I—”
“When you’re ready, you put it on. Whether you legally take my name or not, you’re mine. Nothing’s going to change that. I’ll still be here every day, taking care of you.” I took a deep breath before adding, “Loving you.”
Gemma sucked in a sharp breath.
“I can appreciate that you’ve never seen love in action or been on the receiving end of it before, but if you look back on our time together, you’ll realize that I’ve poured my love for you into every action since the day we met.”
She let out a weak scoff. “How did you do that at the DMV?”
My lips twitched, fighting back a smile. “Who do you think convinced them not to call the cops and press charges for assault, Kitten?”
Her lips parted on an exhale, and her eyes snapped to mine. “You didn’t.”
Pulling my hands from hers, I was relieved as hell when the ring box didn’t clatter to the ground. Cupping her cheeks, I pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. “I love you, Gemma. Exactly as you are.”
The last thing I expected was for her to throw her arms around my neck and cling to me like I was her lifeline, but I welcomed it. Hugging her close to me, I whispered over and over how much I loved her.
