“I’m not good enough for you,” he whispers in my ear, “but I’ve come to the conclusion that no one in this world would be. You’re fucking perfect and everyone pales in comparison. What I can do, is love you like no one else could. I will spend the rest of my life trying to be the man you deserve. I will treasure you, love you and treat you like the fucking goddess you were born to be.” His arms release the wheel and he steps back from me. I turn to see what he’s up to and my hands fly to my mouth; he’s on one knee in front of me and a small black jewellery box is held out in his hand.
“Marry me. Let me spend the rest of our lives showing you how much I love you.” Tears are streaming down my face; I can’t believe this is happening. This man wants to spend the rest of his life with me? He doesn’t think he deserves me? I guess we’re going to spend the rest of our lives showing each other how perfect the other is, because that’s exactly what he is. Perfect.
“Yes,” I sob. “Yes, of course I’ll marry you.”
Bennett
I can’t believe she said yes. I thought she was going to push back, that she would think it was too soon. Or that she’d finally realized I’m not good enough for her; I thought I’d have to fight for her to wear my ring, for everyone to see that she’s taken. That she’s mine.
“I don’t want a big wedding.”
We’re moored up at our island, sitting out on the deck of the boat and she’s currently admiring her ring; a five-carat oval solitaire. I wantpeople to see it from a mile off, it’s a fucking warning to any man that she’s not available.
“What do you want?” She’s currently lying back between my spread legs on the cushions.
“I want to get married here, on the boat, with Rebecca.”Fuck, she’s perfect.“What do you want, though?” I tighten my arms around her and lean down so my lips are by her ear.
“There’s just one thing I want,” I whisper.
“What’s that?”
“I want you pregnant,” she gasps at my words.
“I’ve still got about two months left with this current shot.”
“I don’t want you getting another one.” I nuzzle into her neck, she always smells so fucking good. “It could take us a while to conceive; I want us to start trying as soon as we can.”
“Bennett, having kids is huge. Are you sure we’re ready for that?”
“Yes. Fuck yes. I want it all with you. I’m not getting any younger, Peyton, give me this. Giveusthis.”
“Wha-what if I can’t?”Oh, sweet girl.
“Then we’ll see the best doctor there is. And if we still can’t, then we’ll adopt and they’ll be the luckiest damn kids in the world.” She turns in my arms so her cheek is resting on my chest and one of her arms is draped around me.
“Thank you,” she whispers the words so quietly I almost miss them.
“For what, sweetheart?”
“Everything. For everything, Bennett.”
Epilogue
Bennett
Two years later
I lean against the doorframe of the nursery and watch my wife with our daughter; she’s giving her the final feed of the night and it’s something I love to see. They’re the reason my heart still beats.
It took us just over a year to get pregnant with Elizabeth, and we’ve been grateful every day since that we were able to conceive. Seeing Peyton pregnant with my child was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever had the privilege to witness. Watching our child grow within her, a child we made from the love we share, was priceless, and it’ssomething I crave to see again. The changes in her body were sexy as fuck, too. I was completely addicted to her, more so than usual. I still am.
She looks up at me from where she’s currently sitting, a gentle smile gracing her lips. I didn’t think it was possible to love her more than I did the day I married her, but she’s proving me wrong every single day.
“How’d it go?” she questions as she takes in my clothing; not a speck of blood this time.
“He’s gone,” I confirm. Having a wife and child hasn’t stopped my extracurricular activities, in fact it’s cemented it for me. I won’t allow the depraved to walk the same streets as my family. Luckily enough, my wife agrees with me.
“Good. I’m nearly done,” she whispers as she moves Elizabeth to her shoulder to burp her. I walk into the room and take our little girl into my arms.
