Page 147 of Game Plan

My heart thundered inside my chest at the look of determination flashing in his eyes.

“In case it wasn’t a given before, let me tell you this. From now on, my heart is forever yours and so is my bedroom. You don’t ever have to move out if you don’t want to. Everything I am is yours.” He closed in on me, leaving no gap between our bodies. “You and I, we’re real. Never again will I live a life you’re not part of.”

Tears prickled my eyes, and I blinked, trying to keep them at bay.

“Hey, why are you crying? Did I say something wrong?”

“No. The opposite. Every word sounded right. For a long time, I thought being together meant I would relapse and feel bad about myself, but I gotta be honest. When we’re together, you make me feel beautiful and powerful, Mase. I’m not ashamed of who I am or how I look. Sure, some days, I wish my hips were narrower and my waist slimmer, but overall, it’s not a thought that haunts me or consumes me. I can’t recall the last time I saw calories flashing in my mind while I ate or when I was tempted to weigh myself or check the circumference of my arms. I love you for making me feel safe and not treating me like I’m broken—or have been broken in the past. I like being your equal, your best friend, and your lover. I just wanted to put it out there so you’d know I appreciate everything you are and everything you do.”

“It’s all I’ve ever wished for you, love. For you to see how much you mean to me and how beautiful you are in my eyes.”

“Mission accomplished. Think we can make it work through the ups and downs life throws at us?”

“Yes. As long as we’re together, nothing is out of reach. I’m so glad you’re not struggling anymore. I know some days will be harder than others, and things won’t always be easy, but just know I’m here, ready to hold your hand and help you through every challenge. You have a bad day, you tell me. You don’t feel pretty for whatever reason, you tell me. You want to count calories or skip a meal because you feel like it’s the right thing to do, you tell me. Don’t suffer in silence ever again. We all have our good and bad days. Promise me you’ll always come to me before doing something that could jeopardize your health or send you down the rabbit hole again, okay? I’m right by your side. I strongly believe that together we can overcome much bigger obstacles because we’re twice as strong.”

“Does that count for you too? Will you come to me if you’re in pain or if you start doubting yourself again or think about self-medicating?”

“I’ll try my best not to make any stupid decisions again—at least not without talking to you first. I value your honesty and your opinion. Never believe the opposite, even when I’m angry and say otherwise.”

“I love you, Mason Pierce.”

“I love you more, Melinda Shepard.”

I jumped into his arms, my legs tightening around him, and once again, I lost myself in the love enveloping us.

“Mel, you are my first love, my home, my everything. Now and forever. Let me prove it to you.”

39

And get frozen balls? No, thank you. I tried once. Never again

Mason and I stood side by side, staring at his living room for a full minute. “Mind sharing what we’re looking at?”

He pressed his fists to his hips in a resolute manner. “Our future camping spot.”

“Huh, we’re in December. Can’t it wait until next summer?”

“Nope. We’re doing it, Shepard. You and me, sleeping under the stars, roasting marshmallows on the bonfire, cuddling in sleeping bags, you know the drill.”

“Mase, how do you plan to sleep under the stars if we’re setting camp in your living room?”

“Technicality. It’s all pretend, love. Play along here.”

“I’m shutting up now. Please explain.”

“We’ll move the furniture against the wall over there and set up three tents. Two in the living room and one where the kitchen table is. We’ll also have inflatable mattresses for those not sleeping in tents.”

“Tell me, who gets a tent? How do we decide?”

“Couples, baby. You and me, Rutherford and Amber, Jules and Shawn. Bailey, Craig, Cassidy, and Donovan get the mattresses.”

“Wait, you invited all my friends?”

“Yeah.” Doubt filled his gaze. “Is that okay?”

“Okay? It’s more than okay, Mase. I’m happy you’ve included them. What’s my job?”

“I got a bunch of battery-operated candles we’ll set around the place. Amber is in charge of the s’mores, sausages, and everything we’ll roast on the fire pit outside for a late-night snack. Plus, she’s bringing a star projector. Some sort of nightlight she swears by. My roommates are taking care of the music and the booze. Jules and Shawn will get the pizza. Donovan and Cassie will buy everything we need for breakfast tomorrow, and you and I are baking cupcakes. We need to grab fries. I already called George, and we’ll have an order ready to be picked up at six, and soda, juice, and other drinks so we can make cocktails.”