34. Sloan
Sloan
I giggle as Cody takes a big bite of food and instantly realizes his mistake. He blows out a breath full of steam and keeps his mouth open.
“It’s so hot,” he mumbles around his food.
“What did you think would happen? Your pot is boiling like crazy!”
I pull out a piece of meat and hold it over my plate with my chopsticks. I blow on it a few times before I plop it in my mouth with a grin.
“Show off,” Cody mutters under his breath. I giggle as I grab another piece and do the same thing.
“This is delicious. I’ve never done a hot pot before and I'm a huge fan now.”
“I'm glad. I wanted to do something different and fun. I wanted this to be a night you wouldn’t forget.”
“I could never forget any night I get to spend with you,” I whisper as I tuck a strand of hair that fell from my bun behind my ear and peer up at Cody.
He places his palm up in the center of the table and I quickly place my hand in his. He rubs his thumb across the back of my hand and watches me carefully.
“I love you, Sloan.”
“I love you too.”
“I…” He shakes his head and chuckles.
“You, what?”
“This is going to sound crazy. This is our first date after years of being apart, but I know what I want. I don’t think any length of time is going to change that.”
“What do you want?” I ask slowly, almost scared of what he’s going to say… but I think we’re on the same page.
“I want to get married. Things have always been so perfect between us. I know you’re the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. I want to spend all of my ups and downs with you by my side.”
“Even crazy stalkers?”
“Even a whole group of crazy stalkers.” He smirks, showing off his adorable dimples.
“I think I want that too.”
“A group of crazy stalkers?”
“No!” I let my head fall back as my laugh fills the room. “I want forever with you. You’re the only man I’ve ever pictured spending the rest of my life with, I just never thought it would happen.”
“I’ve always known you were the woman I wanted to marry. I just didn’t think your parents would let us get married when we were younger.”
“No, I doubt they would’ve.” I shake my head, but I can’t hide my smile.
“Not only do I love everything about you, but you get along so well with my entire family. I was always terrified of marrying someone who doesn’t love my family as much as I do.”
“Your family is my favorite. They’ve always treated me like I was part of Mulberry Lane.”