38. Huntley
Chapter Thirty-Eight
HUNTLEY
My girl stirred in my embrace.
Her black hair fanned out against the white pillowcase, and her sweet scent drifted to me, almost causing my senses to short-circuit. God, I loved the smell of her and her beautiful locks. I loved everything about her.
I held River through the late evening into morning, her tiny body tucked close to mine and my arm curled over her middle. Throughout the night, her tiny whimpers and small cries broke my heart, but instead of pulling away from me, she’d snuggled closer.
More tears had escaped as I thought about everything the beautiful woman by my side had been through.
Fuck.
Sleep eluded me as I replayed everything she’d told me in my head. There was one thing that River had said that really stuck with me—the sorrow in her voice when she said she didn’t even really have a name. I knew what she meant; she had no ties to anyone.
I wanted to change that .
She stirred again and then slowly turned in my arms so she was facing me. “Hi,” she whispered, shyly.
I was a goner and man enough to admit the woman staring at me with her hypnotic eyes, owned me heart and soul. She had me wrapped around her little finger for sure. So, for me, it wasn’t truly a surprise when what I’d been thinking about all night came tumbling out.
However, I sure shocked the shit out of River.
“I want you to take my last name.”
Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped open. “W-What?” She paused, as if trying to find the words. “I don’t think I understand what you are saying.”
Real smooth, dipshit , I thought to myself. I was clearly screwing up big time.
“There is nothing fake about how I feel about you, and I don’t want you to be my fake fiancée anymore. Although, I still owe Ruby for that since it got you into my hospital room.” I softly brushed a strand of hair out of her face. “Marry me, sweetheart. I know in all my heart my last name was always meant to be yours.” I took a deep breath. “And maybe the kids will one day want to take it too.”
Her gaze searched mine. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”
I ran my hand down her arm and brought her palm to my chest, laying it over my heart. “I’ve never been more serious in my life.”
A tear slipped down her cheek.
“But what if I’m never able to be completely intimate with you in the way you deserve?”
“Look how far you have come. You never thought you’d be lying in a bed with a man either, and yet here we are.”
I leaned in and softly kissed her lips, pulling a sigh from her.
“And look how responsive you are to my lips against yours. You told me that you wanted to be with me. I have faith we will get there. But if not, I meant what I said last night.”
She rolled her eyes. “You’re crazy.”
“I’m crazy about you.”
More tears slipped down her face. “I’m crazy about you too.”
Raising my brows, I asked, “Crazy enough to marry me?”
Her eyes sparkled and danced with emotion. “I never thought I’d be saying this, but then again I never imagined meeting a man like you that makes me feel so cherished and loved. A man that has helped heal my broken heart and soul.”
My heart raced and anticipation built as she spoke.
“Yes.” She flashed a radiant smile at me, brighter than the sun and euphoria took hold of every cell in my body. “I will marry you and take your name.”
“I love you so damn much!” I hollered and pulled her into my arms, hugging her to my chest.
I guess I was a bit loud in my elation because the door burst open, and there stood the kids, their eyes wide with curiosity.
“Oh-oh, looks like we’ve been caught,” I whispered into River’s ear.
River’s muffled giggle against my T-shirt-covered chest was music to my ears.