Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 26677 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 133(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 89(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26677 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 133(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 89(@300wpm)
He grins.
“You’re right, baby. Besides, we shouldn’t talk about other people, given how our relationship started,” he chuckles. “I mean, that was pretty extraordinary too.”
I giggle.
“Yeah, I guess you could say that again. Rent for sex, hmm?”
Mason nods, but then he goes serious.
“Yeah, but you know that’s all over now, sweetheart.”
I squeeze his hand while smiling sweetly.
“Is it?”
But Mason’s not playing. Instead, he looks into my eyes, taking my hand in both of his own.
“You know things have changed between us, Chelsea. A lot. Our old relationship has long since gone by the wayside, and instead, I want to make our relationship more permanent. Totally permanent, in fact.”
I smile again.
“Why, what did you have in mind?”
I’m expecting to hear him say something about co-living or co-parenting or even civil unions, but then, Mason surprises me by dropping to one knee by my chair. He looks a little nervous, but also very determined before pulling a small velvet box from his pocket. Holy shit. That can only mean one thing right?
“Chelsea, I don’t think I’ve ever expressed just how much you mean to me,” he says in a low voice. “Or how I love you more than anything or anyone in the world. Or how I don’t think I could live without you going forward. But if you’ll give me the chance, I would love to spend the rest of my life telling you these things, and making sure that every day on Earth is your best. Will you marry me, honey? Will you do me the honor of becoming Mrs. Mason Richards?”
“Mason–” I gasp, but he continues.
“I want to be able to call myself your husband, and you, my wife. I want to have you by my side for the rest of my life, and I want to see you walk down the aisle as the most beautiful bride ever. I want to hear you say ‘I do’ because nothing sweeter could grace my ears. Chelsea, will you give me the pleasure? Will you marry me?”
At this point, I can’t hold it in anymore. It’s undignified but I practically scream, while crying and laughing at the same time.
“I–Yes, Mason, yes!” I burble. Tears stream down my face as he pops open the box to reveal a dazzling diamond, and then gently takes my hand and slides the band onto my finger. With that, we both gasp because this is right. This intimate moment was meant to be, and after staring at the gem for a moment, our lips meet in a passionate kiss.
“I love you, Mason Richards,” I murmur. “I’d love to become your wife.”
“Good,” he growls against my mouth, “because I wasn’t going to let you say no.”
With that, I giggle as our hearts meld because this is the man I know and love. This is the man who made me a sordid offer at the beginning of our relationship: sex, in exchange for a place to stay. But against all odds, we moved past the transactional aspect of our arrangement, and have now reached the ultimate goal: wedded bliss, as man and wife. Who knew this would happen? I certainly don’t deserve such bliss, but with Mason by my side, I know that anything can happen now.
THE END