Chapter 36
Willa had been doing a lot of thinking since she’d woken up in the hospital. She was certain Robert hadn’t raped her. If she’d been in that hotel with him for longer, that would have happened, but he had been too focused on beating her to have sex. She was thankful for the little things.
Cindy had meant to really hurt her. That jerk, the one who’d grabbed her butt while she’d been waiting tables, would have most likely killed her.
She had no idea why she had multiple psychopaths after her at the same time.
It wasn’t like she’d done anything really bad in her life.
Maybe she’d stolen a pack of gum, and she’d cheated on a few tests in high school, but she wasn’t running around pushing kids off scooters or old ladies down stairs.
Whatever happened to her hadn’t been karma taking a dump on her life. Bad things happened, but it wasn’t a statement on her.
One thing she knew after all of this was that life was fleeting. She didn’t want to die without making something real.
She turned in the seat, though pain shot through her. Worry blanketed Cy’s features, and she reached for his hand.
“I said I love you in the hospital, and I want to make sure you know it’s the truth.”
“I know it’s true. I love you, and that’s the truth.”
She nodded and tried for a smile, but the bruises on her jaw made it hard to smile. “I don’t want to miss any opportunities. I know this isn’t how it’s done, but I can’t wait. Marry me.”
Shock coursed through Cy. For a long time, he thought he would never find anyone he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, but he wanted Willa in his life forever.
This may not be how other people did it, and he knew some guys would get offended, but Willa and her question was the best thing to happen in his life.
He squeezed her hand and nodded. “Yes,” he said, his voice cracking with emotion. “Yes, I want to marry you. I want you in my life forever.”
She let go of her breath, and her shoulders sagged. “Thank you.”
“I’m coming around the car. I need to hold you.”
She nodded as tears slipped down her cheek. He rushed around the car, thrilled to be with this woman who’d changed everything, making his life better than he ever thought possible.
He’d found real love with Willa. Before meeting her, he’d never thought he would have a relationship like this. But now, with Willa by his side, he couldn’t imagine a life without her.
Willa couldn’t believe she’d asked him to marry her, and that he’d said yes. She didn’t know when it would happen, but they’d made a promise to each other, one she knew Cy would keep.
They hadn’t been together for long, but the time they had spent had proven to be good. He loved her, and she was head over heels in love with him.
She’d found a good man, and they would make a life together. There would be surprises, and because of his job, he would have to be away from time to time, but together, they would make a good life. Together, they would be happy.