Page 95 of Tactical Revival
“Me, too. I thought I’d forgiven him and moved on, but it wasn’t until I said the words that I felt that weight lift.”
“I’m so glad you gave him a chance. That you forgave him so you both can move forward. Did he tell you anything about his prognosis?”
“The doctors give him a few months. He’s staying with my brother, so I think I’ll be heading out there for a bit to try and help. If you’re okay with it.”
“Absolutely. Why wouldn’t I be?”
“I was also thinking maybe the three of us could fly out? I can introduce you to my brother as my fiancée.”
“Sure that would be—wait, what?” She pulls away from me, staring up at me like I’m speaking another language.
Nerves settle in my stomach like lead, but I reach into my pocket and withdraw the ring I’d bought the day after we’d rescued Margot. I’d known then that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her.
That I never wanted to go another day without her.
And after asking both Margot’s father and Matty for permission, I decided not to put it off any longer. So I drop down to one knee. She covers her mouth with both hands, eyes filling.
“Margot Anderson, I never thought I would be on my knee again. I never thought I’d ever love anyone enough to want to take this next step, but you are the air I breathe, baby. You are my life. My love. My soulmate. I love you so much. Please make me the happiest man on this earth and marry me?”
She nods, unable to find the words.
“Yeah?”
“Yes!” she yells and tackles me to the sand, mouth waiting for mine. I wrap my arms around her and capture her lips with mine.
Cheering fills my ears, and Margot pulls away as Matty, Michael, Reyna, Margot’s parents, Lance, Eliza, Andie, Elijah, and Bianca come down the steps toward the beach, all of them clapping and yelling out congratulations.
Margot laughs and looks down at me. “I love you, Jaxson Payne.” She holds up her hand, and I slip the ring onto her finger.
“I love you, too, Margot. And I promise I will spend every day of my life being a man deserving of your love.”