Chapter 35
It had been almost six months since Wyatt and Ellie died, and Crash stood beside their graves, holding Allyson’s hand. He’d left the kids with his mother while they went to visit. They were heading to Mike’s office as well to finalize the adoption papers.
He never expected the whole thing to take so long, but Mike told him it wasn’t unusual. Since he’d been named the legal guardian in the will, it would make things easier, but they also wanted to have Allyson on the papers.
“You shouldn’t be here.” Crash crouched in front of the headstone.
He didn’t know why Wyatt had hidden what he knew from Crash and Axel. They probably would never find out, but the one thing they did know was that because of him, Crash was going to be the father he always wanted to be. It was bittersweet.
“We’re going to adopt them today. I debated about changing their last names, but Ally gave me the idea to put both your names as the kids’ middle names. So, they’ll have two middle names now.” Crash smiled up at Allyson.
“I’ll never let them forget either of you or the sacrifice you made to keep Sidney safe.” Crash stood up. “When they’re older, I’ll bring them here to visit.”
He stood quietly with his arm wrapped around Allyson for a few minutes, and then they slowly left the cemetery.
“It would be easier if you were married, but it will still work,” Mike told them as they sat across from him.
“But it can still be done?” Crash asked.
“Yes,” Mike smiled.
“Good,” Crash glanced at Allyson.
She looked uncomfortable with the conversation, and he wondered if she thought he didn’t want to marry her. The truth was, he had planned to ask her that evening. They might only be together a few months, and it had been one thing after the other, but the one thing he knew was that she was it for him.
“I’ll file this with family court, and it should be settled in a day or two.” Mike shook Crash’s hand. “If I haven’t told you, I’m sorry about your friends.”
“Thanks,” Crash nodded.
His mom called as he arrived home. She was so excited that he was going to propose to Allyson that she practically squealed on the phone. He was glad Allyson had not stayed close to him because his mother was loud.
“So, she has no idea?” his mom asked.
“I don’t think so,” Crash whispered.
“I’m so happy for you, Brent. I know you’ve loved her for such a long time.”
“Thanks, Mom. Are you sure you don’t mind keeping Mila and Caleb all night?” He knew her answer before she said it.
“Are you kidding? I love having them here.”
By the time Crash ended the call, he found Allyson in the living room curled up on the couch, the fireplace lit, lights off, and a blanket over her legs. He turned on the sound system, playing some soft country music, and joined her on the sofa.
“Are Mila and Caleb okay?” Allyson asked as she leaned back against him.
“Yeah, Mom is in her glee,” Crash kissed her cheek.
“So, we have the whole house to ourselves all night. Whatever will we do?”
Allyson dropped her head back and looked up into his face with a huge smile. It faded when she saw the expression on his face. His face was probably green because he was scared shitless to ask her. He hadn’t planned any big, elaborate romantic gesture. He wanted to make it simple and tell her how he felt.
“What’s wrong?”
“Absolutely nothing.” He smiled and cupped her cheek.
“Why do you look ready to vomit?” She could read him better than anyone.
“Ally, I promise you there is nothing wrong.” He stood up and took her hands.
When she stood up, he pulled her into his arms and stared at her beautiful face. It was as if everything he was so scared about disappeared, and the words flowed.
“I don’t know what I would’ve done without you over the last few months. I’ve loved you for so long that I don’t remember when it started, but I know it’s only grown so much that you are my reason for breathing. I did some pretty shitty things, but I must have done something good to have you come into my life.” Crash stepped back and took her hands. “I know this is fast, but the truth is, you’re all I’ve ever wanted.”
“Brent, what are you…” Allyson stopped when he dropped to his knee.
“I love you, and I want to be a family to you, Caleb, and Mila. I want you to be my wife. Allyson, will you marry me?” Crash pulled the ring from his pocket and held it up to her.
Allyson stared at the ring with tears in her eyes and her hands clasped in front of her chest. He smiled when she giggled and dropped down to her knees next to him.
“Brent, I love you too.” Allyson cupped his cheek. “Are you asking this because you think it will make the adoption easier?”
“Absolutely not. I planned this before Mike told us that. I promise this has nothing to do with the adoption. I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life showing you how much I love you.”
Allyson gazed into his eyes, and he held his breath. Seconds ticked by, and his heart felt as if it was going to jump out of his chest if she didn’t say something. Then she smiled.
“Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you.” Allyson flung herself into his arms, and they tumbled to the floor.
“Jesus, woman. You had me worried there for a minute.” Crash took her hand and slipped the ring onto her finger as they lay on the floor.
“I love you, but I’ll always keep you on your toes.” She kissed him hard on the mouth and then jumped to her feet.
“What are you doing?” Crash lay flat on the floor and stared up at her.
“You’ll have to follow me to the bedroom to find out.” She winked and backed out of the room.
This was the woman he loved, and he was damn well sure going to meet her in the bedroom because, from that point forward, she’d be by his side until the day he took his last breath.