Page 83 of Louder Than Words

He scoots closer, his hands finding my cheeks, gently turning my face so I have to meet his eyes.

“Marry me,” he murmurs.

I blink, not sure if I’m hearing him right. “What?”

His thumb brushes lightly against my cheek as he tilts his head. “Marry me, Allie,” he repeats, quieter this time. “I love you. I love your girls. I love this little life we created and this life we’re building, even if it scares the shit out of me.”

I laugh through a sob, and he catches each tear, wiping them away and placing a soft kiss where they tried to escape.

“So marry me,” he continues, his hands still gentle on my face. “Not later. Not after the tour. Marry me today. I can’t go another day without having you be mine in every way possible, Al.”

He presses his lips softly to mine, and I melt into him, not wanting him to ever let go. When he pulls back, I see his eyes shining just like mine with tears. I wipe them away like he’s done for me so many times before and bring our foreheads together.

“We’re gonna need a witness,” I murmur with a smile.

He laughs softly. “I couldn’t think of a better person than the one right upstairs.”

I nod slowly, swallowing a sniffle. “Okay.” Sliding off the bed, I press a quick kiss to his cheek and whisper, “Stay right here.”

Then I’m practically running out my door, and flying up the stairs, all to ask my best friend to witness me marrying the man I can’t imagine life without.

Andmaybeto let her in on the news about us having a baby, too.

Today is a day for love and new beginnings.

December 5, 2008 just became one of my new favorite days.

Another day added to a list of perfect memories that have brought me here. Moments I treasure and keep locked away in my mental calendar of days to look forward to.

34

Jax

I’ve never been one to listen.

Not when my nerves are ricocheting through every crevice and corner in my body.

Everything is changing. But for once, it’s finally changing for thebetter.

I drop onto the couch, heart hammering in my chest, hands restless in my lap while I wait.

It takes maybe three seconds, tops, before Ana’s shrieks are bouncing off every wall.

I smile to myself, already wondering which news Allie decided to break first. But before I can think too hard on it, there’s another scream, louder somehow than before. Then—

BANG!

The door upstairs slams open so hard it shakes the walls, and I’m already on my feet. Racing footsteps pound down the stairs like a stampede—

And then she’s on me.

Ana crashes into my chest, hugging me so hard and so tight we nearly topple to the bloody floor.

I hug her back, already feeling the way she’s literally trembling against me.

Then she pulls back, grabs me by the shoulders, and shakes me like I’m a bloody Magic 8 Ball.

“Ababyand awedding?! Are you trying to kill me?” she gasps, tears shining in her eyes.