He swallowed. Blood rushed in his ears, and his heart pumped furiously in his chest. He so desperately wanted her to understand what he felt for her, and he could only hope this gesture did that. “Lauren, there aren’t words to describe what you mean to me. It defies explanation. You are the most beautiful, intelligent, funny woman I’ve ever met. You make me want to be a better person, and you’ve been a pillar of strength for me through the darkest time of my existence. I don’t know how long my life will be, but I know I want to spend every second with you. Will you spend it with me, whether two years or fifty, and be my distraction forever?”

Tears streamed down her cheeks, and he hoped that was a good sign.

“Full disclosure,” he added. “If you marry me, you’re gaining a family. A big, loud, overbearing, get-all-up-in-your-business family. But also a loyal, protective, loving one. Every name in that card is someone who cares about you and wants you to be part of that. You’ll never spend another holiday alone. You’ll always have a home to come back to.”

She sobbed once, the sound raw and unfiltered.

Now that he’d spoken his piece—stumbled through at least some version of what he wanted to say—he suddenly felt the claws of anxiety building inside his chest.

Still, he couldn’t tear his gaze from her beautiful green eyes as she searched his face.

She lowered herself down to her knees, bringing her face almost level with his. A ghost of a smile formed on her lips, but her expression remained solemn. “In my entire life, I’ve never been so sure of anything. I want to be with you now and always, no matter what happens to you or to me. I have to know that you understand that. That I want this—I want you—however I can have you. As a cancer patient or a cancer survivor, it doesn’t matter. I want all of it, with nothing held back. I want all of you for as long as I can have you.”

He inched closer to her face and let go of her hand, sliding his fingers through her hair. “Is that a yes?”

Her lips brushed his as she nodded. “Yes.”

He smiled then, and he thought this must be how superheroes feel. A surge of energy flowed through him, hot and magnetic, and he knew he could do anything. With that one promise from her lips, he could conquer the world.

Together, they could conquer anything.

…

It was almost a week later when Andrew received the call.

“Answer it.”

Andrew didn’t move, staring at the screen of his phone.

“If you don’t, I will.”

His heart pounded and his breath caught in his throat.

“Andrew!” Lauren tried to snatch the phone from his hand but he pulled away.