Dropping my hand, Forrest reaches out and takes my face, pulling me toward him, and his lips take mine in the most loving kiss, helping breathe life back into me before I pass out. The taste of soap on his lips and the arousing cologne that he has just put on surrounds me. It’s that same scent I smelled on my pillows those first few nights when he would sneak in to protect me. I have told him on several occasions he is never allowed to change what he wears, because to me, that is part of my safe feeling every time he wraps his arms around me.

As my hands roam his bare back, I can feel my body coming alive, but it will have to wait. Pulling back from the kiss that was getting more sensual by the second, I look up at him.

“Are you sure? I know I always said I’d never have a relationship or get married, but I figured I had already broken one of my rules, so why not break the other one too.” My old habit of trying to lighten the moment when I start to feel insecure has Forrest scowling at me.

“Don’t do that.” Again, he calls me out on my behavior because he knows that’s what I need him to do. “I’ve never been surer of anything in my life. If I had known this was even an option, I would’ve been down on one knee by now and trying to make you officially mine. So yeah, beautiful, I’m more than ready, let’s go do this.” Letting me go, he steps back a little from me. “I just think the photos might look better if I get dressed first.”

We both start laughing as I point to the clothes I placed on the bed, ready for him.

“I didn’t pack these.” His smile tells me he knows very well I did. “So, I guess this is how it’s going to be once that ring is on my finger. I just learn to say yes ma’am and do as I’m told.” Pulling the bone-colored linen pants on, it’s like a light bulb goes off in his head. “Shit, rings, we don’t have anything…” His words stop as I pull a ring box out of my handbag. “Why am I not surprised?”

Opening up the box, he looks at two wedding bands tucked into the silk-covered foam.

“I bought the wedding bands, but I would still love you to pick my engagement ring once we get back home. I know I took the proposal away from you, but that way we will both have a part in the engagement, for however short of an engagement it will be.” I can see the joy in his eyes, and then a smirk comes across his face.