Page 86 of Husband to Go
“Hmmm?” I ask in a distracted voice.
He laughs again, those blue eyes sparkling.
“Kylie, sweetheart, I know you love to read, but I’m a man trying to propose right now. Will you be my wife, baby girl, and make me the happiest man in the world?”
This time I look up with a jolt, absolutely speechless. There are about fifteen reasons why I don’t know what to say, ranging from the fact that I never thought I’d get married to the fact that I’d be getting married to my mom’s ex-fiancé.
“I’m sorry?” is all I’m able to manage.
Tanner grins and gets up from his lounge chair before kneeling in front of me. He takes my hand and looks straight into my eyes, suddenly serious.
“Kylie Mitchell, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” He brings out a ring box and flips it open to reveal the most beautiful piece of jewelry I’ve ever seen. The ring is absolutely perfect, with an oval-shaped diamond surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds that make me gasp. Suddenly, all my reservations are gone.
“Yes! Yes! A thousand times yes!” I jump out of my seat and wrap my arms around his broad shoulders while showering him with kisses. He chuckles and slides the ring on my finger, before casting me a possessive look.
“You’re mine, sweetheart,” he rumbles.
I smile back.
“Yes, I’m yours, Tanner.”
* * *
Even though it’sbeen a few years, I smile whenever I remember his proposal. For some reason, marriage hadn’t crossed my mind at that point and when he pulled out that ring, I nearly fainted.
But now, we’re happily wedded with a baby too. I look down at my sleeping husband in adoration while brushing a stray black lock off his forehead. I keep trying to get his hair to stay where I want it to, but it’s recalcitrant and seems to like blocking my view. I try to move it again, but then he stirs a bit.
“Is everything okay?” Tanner mumbles. His eyes haven’t opened yet, but he’s awake. Whenever he starts talking, that means he’s ready for the day.
“Now that you’re awake, yes,” I sweet talk him. I place my nose on his cheek, gently rubbing against his face. He scrunches up his nose acting like he wants me to stop.
“Do you want something from me?” he’s trying to sound annoyed, but I know he’s joking.
“Maybe,” I tease.
I’m waiting for a response, but I get nothing. His breathing has evened out, and his mouth is a little slack. Did he fall asleep again? I poke his nose, but that does nothing. I do it one more time, pushing it for a little longer, but nada.
“Tanner?” Not a single movement. Do I have to wait for him to wake up again? Who knows how long that will take? I’m bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at this early hour, which is very out of character for me because I like all the sleep I can get. I want to spend these precious morning hours with my hubby.
It’s time to bring out the big guns. I move on top of him, straddling his waist. I rest my hands on his shoulders and give the broad width a little shake, but he’s so heavy that it’s like trying to move a rock. Hmm, that didn’t work.
“Maybe this is a symptom of old age; you know, not being able to stay awake and needing more sleep,” I say cheekily.
All of a sudden, I’m on my back. I shriek, trying to reorient myself. I’m pressed against the mattress, looking up at my husband, and he’s absolutelygorgeous. Tanner is on top of me now, his hands and knees on either side of my body.
“Oh my god! You were faking it! I was right!” I giggle.
“You think I’m old?” he growls, ignoring my complaint. I roll my eyes.
“You’re not old,” I say in a mewl. “Just a little on theolder side, shall we say.”
He grunts with humor in his eyes.
“Well, if I’m your elder, then maybe I should teach you a lesson or two.”
“Oh no,” I gasp. I try to get up, but he traps me and holds down my hands. “Are you going to let me up?”
He pretends to think.