Page 36

36

SKYE

Showered, fed, and then showered again because we fucked on the dining table after dinner, because, well, that’s what we do and can’t keep our hands off each other, I’m now seated in the corner of the sofa.

I look up from my book when he asks me the question I’ve been dreading.

“Have you given any more thought about starting up your hand lettering channel again?”

“Nope.” I pretend to read my book again.

“You’re letting him win.”

“I’m not.” I grip the pages harder.

“You’re very talented.”

“I don’t want to hand letter again.”

“You sure?”

“Yes.” I slam my book shut and fling my head back against the cushions.

“You know I only want the best for you, yeah?”

“I know.” I stare at the ceiling.

Jacob grabs my hips and pulls me onto his lap, making me squeal. He’s so strong.

He makes me straddle him when he positions my legs on either side of his hips.

Playing with my fingers, I look down. I don’t want to talk about this.

I’m wearing nothing but his tee shirt, which I sleep in. He tickles me with his touch, stroking his fingertips up and down my bare legs.

He ducks his head, so we are eye to eye, and grins at me.

“Stop it.” I smack his shoulder playfully.

“I didn’t do anything,” he says innocently.

“You know I’m a sucker for your smile.” I lift my head and he winks at me.

“Tell me what’s going on in that pretty little head of yours.” He holds my ankles.

“I don’t want to do hand lettering again.”

“Okay.”

“However, I have given a lot of thought about doing an illustrated book for kids. How to stay safe online. Or something.” I fill air into my cheeks then blow it all out. “It’s a stupid idea.”

“No, it’s not. I think it’s a great idea.”

I widen my eyes. “You do?”

“Yes.” He smiles, his caring eyes soft around the edges. “You could do one for adults too.”

“I could do a whole series.” I start getting excited. “And illustrate them all myself, hand-write them, as well as write the content, and a journal too. I’ve always wanted to design a journal. I could do all my doodle artwork, and maybe even a coloring-in book as part of the therapy to help people overcome anxiety.”

“There’s my girl.”

“I can self-publish.”

“Then do it.”

I lift my shoulders to my ears in excitement and clap my hands together.

“I’d call it Castle in the Skye Publishing or maybe Skye Publishing or, oh, what about Skye McNairn Publishing?”

“Or what about SB Publishing?”

“Huh?” I push my top lip up in an Elvis curl, confused.

“What about Skye Baxter Publishing?”

I laugh. “That’s your name, silly.” My chuckle stops dead at the realization of what he’s implying.

“Yeah, but it could be yours, too.”

Smiling, I grab his handsome face with both hands. “Are you asking me to marry you, Jacob Baxter?” Butterflies swirl in my tummy and heart.

He nods. “Skye McNairn, will you marry me?”

I squish his cheeks together and smack a kiss to his lips.

“Ish vat a wesh?” he asks, is that a yes? between the palms of my hands.

I let go of his face. “Yes, yes, yes!” I squeal, throwing my hands in the air, then pulling them to my heart.

He rubs his jaw where I was holding him. “Christ, you have some grip.” He moves his jaw side to side.

“I’m sorry, I’m excited.” I place my hands on his shoulders. “Can we get married in Dubock Castle? The one at the end of the road?”

“Yes. Anything for you.” His gigantic smile lights up my soul.

“In March with the snowdrops?”

“That soon?”

“It’s a little over three months away, that’s ages, and I would marry you tomorrow, Jacob Baxter. Oh, we have to celebrate, and call our parents. Your mom is gonna be so excited. My mom has the most beautiful tiara I can wear. Oh God, we’re getting married?”

He chuckles, laughing at my reaction. “You’re so fucking cute. I love you, Skye.”

“I love you so much.” My lips land on his and I take my time to remember this moment. He pushes his tongue into my mouth and I’m overwhelmed by how complete he makes me feel. Our kiss is slow and full of love and I melt into him when he threads his fingers into the back of my hair, pulling me closer. His lips work mine, hard, then soft, and I cup his face, running my thumb back and forth across his soft scruff I love so much.

Moving to the side of my mouth, he kisses my cheek, and then my temple before he whispers in my ear. “I’m so happy you didn’t let me fall out of love with you.”

I whisper back, “And I’m happy I fell in love with you, Jacob.”

He lays his forehead against mine as if they’re kissing one another.

“Do we have champagne?” I grin again. I can’t stop smiling.

“Yes, we do.”

“Let’s video-call everyone.”

“Do you not want to wait until you have a ring? We need to go shopping at the weekend.”

“No, I need to share the news now, or I might burst.” I fall to the side onto the soft cushions.

He smiles before lifting my ankle and kissing my tattoo.

“I’m getting married. To Jacob,” I whisper to myself.

“And I am marrying the girl I’ve loved since the day I met her.”