His gut clenched.
“But I’m not. I love you because of your life experiences, not in spite of them.” She reached up and touched the hair at his temples. “I’ll love you when this is gray. I’ll love you if all your hair falls out. You don’t have to worry about me flaking out. Because when I commit to something, I go in all the way. And I did that with you, Alpaca Man, Lydia, and their babies. Our family.” Tears filled her eyes and her voice cracked.
Carlo swept her into his arms, wrapping her tight in that warm, thick embrace. “My Sunshine. I love you too. More than I thought possible. More than should be possible. I wanted to wait to ask you until next week, but now…it feels right.”
He tugged the box he’d taken to carrying with him everywhere from his pocket and slid down to one knee.
“Penelope Davis, will you marry me?”
She jumped up and down, her eyes glowing when she gripped his forearms. “Really?” she breathed.
He nodded. “Yes, really. I love you. Nothing will change that. Not your mom.”
They both frowned, the mere thought of her selfishness marring their joy.
“Not an alpaca eating my prize apples. Not your off-key singing, or your truly terrible eggs. Nothing.”
She smiled so large her cheeks pulled taut. He adored that smile, those two slightly crooked eyeteeth, the shimmer of joy and mischief that signaled just how much Penelope lived.
“I have other bad habits besides the ones you mentioned.” She leaned in closer, widening her eyes. “Real bad.”
He raised his eyebrows, trying to remain stoic, but this woman caused too much of him to melt…and to burn. “Do tell.”
She tutted before she eased closer so that her chest brushed against his. “You’ll learn them. And you already know my worst one—my need for reassurance.” Her face fell into earnest lines as she swallowed. “I don’t think that’s going to go away. Ever. Not with my childhood and the lack of consistency…”
His heart twisted. She’d been through so much, yet she’d come through, still thoughtful and loving—still his bright star. His fingers tightened against her soft skin, needing her close. “Don’t worry, Sunshine. I’ll always be here to help you up if you need a hand, and to cheer you on while you meet your goals. Always.”
She chewed on the inside of her lip, her gaze filled with awe, fear, love, and hope. The hope was what slayed him. Pen just wanted to be loved. She wanted to know she mattered, that she was worthy of love. And he’d spend the rest of his life proving it to her.
“Promise?” she asked, guileless eyes wide. Trusting. She’d always trusted him—with Alpaca Man, Lydia, and their fur-baby-to-be, her safety, her heart.
He leaned down to hover over her lips, a mere breath between them. “Promise,” he said even as he closed that distance because nothing would stand between him and his Sunshine.
* * *
