Don't judge me.
I had YouTube tutorials.
There’s champagne.
Chocolate-covered strawberries.
And sitting right in the center of the bed—a little blue box.
“Kai?”
She turns.
And by then I'm already on my knees.
Not because I'm graceful.
Because I know exactly where I want to be.
And because seeing her standing there in that green dress from this angle?
Christ.
Worth every second.
“I got something to ask you, Mary Donahue.”
Her eyes fill immediately.
“But first?—”
My voice catches.
Actually catches.
Because I've jumped out of helicopters.
Taken bullets.
Worked in war zones.
And somehow saying these three words is the scariest thing I've ever done.
“I love you.”
She makes the sweetest sound.
Half sob.
Half laugh.
“You love me?”
I smile.
“Baby, I love you so fucking much.”
Tears spill down her cheeks.