Page 69 of Risk It All

She wraps her arms around me. “This moment is perfect. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could stay here like this forever?”

“Five years.”

Her enthusiasm makes we want to tell her all my goals and how I plan to spend as much time with her as I can for as long as we both shall live.

“What?” Her brows draw together, giving her that adorable crease on her forehead. I place a soft kiss there.

“In five years, I'll retire, then we can stay here, travel, or whatever you want.”

“Retire? You'll be barely forty-five. Don't you think that's a little young?”

“What good is having a smart, talented wife and money if you aren't enjoying them?”

She smiles wide, and it's like the sun. “What good indeed.”

“You told me once that I was your new adventure,” I say. “And you're mine.”

“You spoil me, Max. With presents and words. All this pales in comparison to the souvenir I bought for you in Mexico.”

I shake my head. Doesn't she know that seeing her happy gives me joy? “You've given me much more. Your love, sharing your life with me. That's the greatest gift of all.”

“It's the same gift you're giving me, plus a foundation and a ring.”

“Madeleine, that's all just stuff.” I use the crook of my finger to tilt her head so I can look into her eyes. “You've given me something I've never had. Something I wondered if I'd ever have. Someone to love. Someone to love me. A family.”

Tears well in her eyes.

“I hope those are happy tears,” I say.

“Yes. They're overwhelmed by emotion tears because I love you so much.”

I kiss each eyelid in turn.

“I promise you, Max. I'll love you forever. You'll never feel lost or rejected again.”

It's my turn to get a little teary.

“That's all I need.” I dip my head and make the same promise to her through a kiss.

The End