N. Walters: Past Promises

She blinked several times, certain she hadn’t heard him right. “Marry?”

Even though it should have been physically impossible, his features grew even grimmer, more remote. “Yes,” he gritted out.

“Are you asking me?” Her stomach jumped and this time it had nothing to do with her ulcer and everything to do with hope.

He nodded stiffly. He was expecting rejection. How many times in his life had he been rejected by someone he loved? And he did love her. She knew it in her heart even if he’d never said it. He never would have asked her to marry him otherwise. Not Levi. If he made a vow, he’d keep it. He was that kind of man. She’d never have to worry about Levi falling into bed with another woman or breaking his promises to her.

“Yes.” She threw herself into his arms, hugging him tightly. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”

He wrapped his arms around her, holding her so hard she could barely breathe. “Thank you.” His voice was barely a whisper, but she could hear the relief in it.

She wanted to talk, but Levi had other ideas. He rolled her beneath him and proceeded to make love to her. Twice.

Hours later, Linda was nestled in Levi’s arms, resting her head on his chest when he suddenly spoke.

“I love you.”

She waited, but soon realized he wasn’t going to say anything else. Levi was a man of few words, but those he said, he meant.

“I know,” she assured him, rubbing her hand over his chest. “I love you too.”

“I don’t want to wait.”

“For what?” She let her nails skim over his abs, loving the way they flexed and rippled.

“The wedding.”

“I’ll need at least two weeks. I have to find a dress, arrange for flowers and the church and invite people.”

Levi shifted slightly, drawing her closer. “You want a large wedding?”

She shook her head. “Not large. But we have to invite Shamus and Cyndi and Jonah and Amanda. Probably Patrick and Shannon as well.” She started making a list in her head.

“Whatever you want.” He kissed the top of her head. “As long as it only takes two weeks.”

She grinned, already planning on asking Cyndi if they could have their reception at the B&B. “Don’t worry. I can make it happen.”

He rolled until he was staring down at her. “Thank you.”

“For what?” She sensed the change in him. Whatever he was thinking now was important to him.

“For loving me. For giving me a home.”

Such simple words, but they touched her to her core. “Oh, Levi.” Wrapping her arms around him, she held him tightly. “I’ll always love you.”

He settled beside her again, neither of them speaking. But it was a good quiet, a contented one. Just as she drifted off to sleep, she heard him one final time.

“I love you.” A soft kiss grazed her temple and she was wrapped in the strength of Levi’s body and his love. Content, she drifted off, still making plans for the wedding.