EPILOGUE
One month later
Danny tossed a furry octopus toy into the Petlock. Trouble and Fuzzball immediately began a playful tug-of-war with it. A mini-sheep was an odd pet to have, but they couldn’t leave the cute little thing behind. Besides, Trouble and Fuzzball had a great time playing together. As they frolicked, muted meows and baas became music to Danny’s ears.
And he could finally breathe easy in Rachel’s apartment.
But that seemed like only half the battle. He hadn’t dared broach the subject of their engagement. He knew she loved him and that was really all that mattered.
He’d been planning a special date with Rachel so that he could redo his proposal anyway. Something more romantic…with stuff women like…flowers and candlelight and a dinner cooked from scratch. Yeah. She’d really like that.
Danny smiled as Rachel brought him a fresh cup of Silver Rhino. He slid his hand along hers just to feel the softness of her skin. “I brought enough clothes and stuff for the whole weekend. Even if you have to work, I’ll come with you.”
She let him have the cup and without breaking connection, ran her hand up his shoulder as she sat down next to him among the brand new pillows. “Actually, Danny, I was hoping you’d stay over forever. I wasn’t asking you over for the weekend. I was asking for forever. I want you forever.”
His heart skipped a beat and he nearly dropped his cup. “Rachel?”
“Yes. Danny. Yes. I will marry you. And we will live here with Trouble and Fuzzball and hopefully some day make lots of babies and move to a bigger place with an even bigger Petlock and maybe a whole herd of mini-sheep and cats for our children to play with.”
“Holy shit. If I’d known, I would’ve brought more clothes.” Before he really did drop his cup, he set it down on the floor. Instead of a promise of two days, he’d gotten the promise of a lifetime.
Rachel’s face lit up with a chuckle.
Danny had no clue what to say. He took the teacup from her and set it next to his before pushing her back onto the pillows and kissing her, hoping to show her without words how much he loved her, how much he needed her.
How he’d make sure nothing ever came between them ever again.
