Page 112 of Clear Shot

But the lady in the bathroom is right—I have to set the tone this time.

“Before I agree to anything, there have to be some ground rules.”

“Anything.”

“You can’t walk away when we disagree about things. Disagreements happen, and will happen again, but we have to work through them.”

“Agreed.”

“If I give you another chance this will be the last one—I won’t do this again.”

“Absolutely not. This is forever, Hana.”

“Do you love me, Aiden? Really, truly love me. Forever love me.” I take a breath. “Are youin lovewith me?”

“Desperately. I haven’t been able to function without you. I thought it was my depression, but it was really losing you. Nothing in my life matters without you in it.”

He’s laying it on thick but I believe him. Trust him. I always have.

“You can’t change your mind again,” I whisper. “Because it’s not justmyheart you’ll break next time.”

“I will never change my mind, and there won’t be a next time. I’ll die first.”

I’m going to cave.

I feel the woman from the bathroom behind me, a gentle hand on my shoulder—a tiny squeeze of encouragement.

And I know what I’m going to do.

Maybe I’m a dumbass but?—

I blink as he drops to one knee.

“What are you—” I stare as he holds out his hand.

“The first time I asked you to marry me, it was the least romantic thing ever, so this time I’m going to do better.” His golden eyes glitter with intensity.

Sincerity.

Love.

Oh, hell, I’m a goner.

“We’re already married, so…” He holds out the engagement ring I left with Johan to return to him. “Will you put my ringback on your finger and come home with me so we can try again?”

Chapter 38

Aiden

It’s probably onlya few seconds, but it feels like an eternity while I wait for Hana to answer. We’ve drawn a crowd, and I know someone is recording, but I don’t care. I don’t have anything to hide. Well, maybe a few things that should stay just between the two of us, but in the grand scheme of our entire future, who cares? Anyone watching this play out in the airport will see a married couple who had a fight. There was some talk about the baby but that’s not a secret. If people want to draw their own conclusions, I don’t give a shit either way.

All I care about is Hana.

Bringing her home.

Fixing what I broke.

Taking care of her.