Page 64 of Desperate Vows

“Yeah, but I want to marry you. I want a small ceremony that’s just us. I want to exchange vows and create a memory that isn’t tainted by ugliness. I want to marry you because I love you, and you know I love you. I want this to be for you. You’ll never have to question my love or devotion because this time, I’m marrying you because I want to. I want you. I love you.”

It’d been a while since I’d cried happy tears. He wanted to marry me. A new memory of two people in love, wanting to spend the rest of their lives together. I nodded. “I’ll marry you. I love you so much.”

“I was really hoping you’d say yes. It would have been really embarrassing to call the priest and tell him the wedding for this afternoon is off.”

“This afternoon?” I was downright giddy.

“This starts a new beginning. One free of Franklin. For you and me.” He touched his lips to mine.

I grinned. “Does that mean you’ll make love to me tonight?”

A flare of desire flashed in his eyes. “That is one request you won’t have to make twice.”

When our lips met this time, it was different. We were making mental, emotional, and physical promises to one another. To love and honor and cherish. He was all mine, and I was all his. It was the best feeling in the world.

I loved him. He loved me. It was more than I could have ever hoped or wanted.