Chapter 20
Chapter Twenty
Noah
Miniature waves lap at the rocky shoreline. With glittering water and rays of sunlight melting between the clouds, the lake gets more and more beautiful by the second.
The mountains beyond the water rise high above us and pine trees dot the rocky surface. It’s just our little world as Xander stands behind me, his arms hanging over my chest and holding mine across my chest. We sway to a silent rhythm, enjoying the peace of the land.
“Does it get better than this?” I ask.
Loons call eerily to one another, and the wind whispers behind us, rustling the lakeside brush.
Xander hums, “I think every day with you is better than this.”
I giggle and press my ass against his groin, still feeling the ache at my entrance. Xander had sneakily hidden a duffel bag behind the tree with extra clothing, so we were able to clean up and get comfy for our ride to the lake. He had said he’d made plans for us today.
Our gazes dance across the lake as we enjoy each other’s bodies pressed together. Xander’s heart beats heavily against my back, and his scent mixes with the breeze. I suck in a lungful, not to breathe but to taste him at the back of my throat.
“Remember when we first came here?” Xander asks. His chin rests on the top of my head and he pulls me in closer.
I smile. “Of course. How could I forget?”
I remember it like it was yesterday. How Xander had told me about how he was turned by his best friend, Cassius.
How he lost his entire family to the plague.
It saddens me, knowing I'll never be able to meet them. And how I’ll outlive my own folks, despite not having anything to do with them.
It still feels strange to know I’ll live forever.
“This was where we shared our first kiss.” Xander drops his lips to the top of my head and kisses me there. My body heats at his affection.
“I remember.”
Xander’s heart still beats quickly against me, and for a moment, I wonder if something is bothering him. Why is he so panicked?
Leaning down lower, Xander brushes his lips across the shell of my ear, his fangs nipping at my skin. “Close your eyes.”
My lips tilt upwards and I follow his instructions, shutting my eyes and blocking out the beautiful view of the lake.
With my vampire hearing, I can listen to every rustle of leaves, the movement of Xander’s shirt as he steps away from me, and the crunch of stones as he moves. Then it all goes quiet.
I tilt my head, straining to hear anything, but I don't. “Xander?”
With a small voice, he speaks, “Open your eyes, sweetheart.”
I flutter my lashes and take in the scenery, but nothing has changed. Turning my gaze, I spin on my heel, looking up only to find Xander isn’t standing behind me. Then I drop my gaze, and a gasp rips through my lungs.
Looking up at me, with a smile so warm and comforting, with one knee bent and the other beneath him, Xander cradles a tiny box in his hands. Made of deep red velvet, he slowly opens the case.
Icy white gold glitters in the sunlight. Tiny clear diamonds dance through the band, interwoven with delicate golden leaves before meeting a large, oval ruby. Its crimson glow catches my eye, and I feel my knees sink into the rocky shoreline.
“I have loved you before I even met you. And I have fallen so incredibly deep in love with you every day, and I never plan to resurface. Eternity is a long time, but I plan to spend it with you. Noah, my wonderful, talented, and perfect mate. Will you marry me?”
I’m lost for words. My throat closes over as I reach forward, cupping his hands. My fingers tremble and tears blur my vision. I crouch unceremoniously and sniffle back my tears.
“Oh my God, Xander,” I giggle, wiping my cheeks. “You really want to marry me? I-I…”
Xander’s smile widens. “Of course I want to marry you. I want to marry you every month of the year for every year we’re alive.”
I choke on a laugh and lean forward, rising to reach his mouth as I plant a sloppy kiss across his lips.
“Yes, I’ll marry you.”
The End.