“The way we started was unconventional at best, but I think from even the very first time I saw you, my heart knew. Every single part of you compliments who I am, and after I left Washington, I was sure I’d never get that again.”

“Stone…” My voice is barely above a whisper, and my throat feels tight.

“No, let me finish,” he says, a smirk tugging on the left side of his mouth. With his hand still firmly planted on the back of my neck, he pulls me into him as his lips descend onto my forehead for a quick kiss. “I don’t think I’ll ever fully forgive myself for the way I left you. The way I hurt you.”

Unable to hold it back, a tear spills over, falling down my cheek. He wipes it away with his thumb before pressing a kiss to the spot.

“I don’t think I’ll ever fully forgive myself, but all I can do is continue to show you every single day how much you mean to me. Spend every day for the rest of my life making it up to you, being the man you deserve, the man you fell in love with.”

At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if my heart beat right out of my chest, and when his tears spill over, I lose it. Reaching up, I wipe his cheeks, pulling him into me until our lips meet. His tongue dips out, and when my lips part, he caresses my tongue with his. The kiss is salty and wet, but it’s one I never want to end. His mouth worships mine, taking his time, and pouring every ounce of love into me.

When we break apart, he drops down onto his right knee, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a black box. My breath hitches as my mind catches up to what’s going on. He smiles up at me in a way that can only be described as shy, which is nothing like him.

“W-what are you doing?” I ask as a choked cry bubbles from my throat.

He chuckles, wiping his face with the back of his hand. His bright and teary hazel eyes peer up at me. “Nothing else in the world makes as much sense as you do, Cash. You are the deep, unconditional love I always wanted, but didn’t know I could have. I can’t imagine not spending every single day for the rest of my life with you. Cash DeMarco…”

As soon as he says my name, his voice cracks and we both start crying. “Cash DeMarco, will you p-please marry me?”

I wipe my face, nodding like a fool. “Yes, of course I will. Is that even a question?”