He stared at her for a beat, then snagged her hips and tugged so that she fell over the top of him.
She put her hands on his chest and smiled up into his face. "See? You broke my fall."
He let out a low laugh, shook his head as if to clear it. "Spell this out for me, Mia. What are you saying?"
"I'm saying that maybe you're not the only one who can make changes."
Though his eyes remained serious, his lips curved. "You're going to stop folding your underwear?"
"Okay, smart-ass. I'm trying to say something here."
"Then spit it out."
"I made you feel as if there wasn't room in my life for you, but there is." Sliding her fingers into his hair, she tightened her grip just a little, and kissed him. "I want to take the next step. I want to be with you, only you. And hold on to something, Ace, because here comes the biggie. I think I might someday actually want that whole white dress, white cake thing."
His eyes widened. His fingers tightened on her hips. No doubt he was leaving more flour stains on the Dolce & Gabbana, but she couldn't care less. "You mean-"
"I know you didn't ask me, but since I'm doing everything upside down and ass backward, I thought it'd be fitting if I asked you." The waterworks were threatening again, but she blinked them back. "Will you have me, Kevin? Through thick and thin and cookie dough parties? Through better or worse, or worse-est?"
"Mia-"
"Wait," she said quickly, not wanting him to say no yet. "You're probably having doubts that I mean all this, doubts that I could let go enough to love you as much as you love me. But I can, Kevin. I-"
"Mia," he said again, with such tenderness it blindsided her. He framed her face with his hands. "I don't have any doubts. You just take my breath, is all."
She stared into his eyes and felt herself smile, at peace for the first time in… ever. Sliding down, she snuggled in close and pressed her face into his throat, breathing him in, holding him tight enough that their hearts beat in unison. "I don't either anymore. Not a single one…"
About the Author
JILL SHALVIS is the bestsellmg, award-winning author of more than hwo dozen novels. She lives in Truckee, California, with her husband and three daughters.
