Inside Out (19 page)

“You want to marry me? Are you sure? I thought you meant you’d ask me in the future. You already gave me this,” I held up his mother’s ring that I wore on my finger.

“Samantha, give me one reason why I wouldn’t want to. I agreed to ask you in the future before all of this. I thought you were going to die, Sam. I know what I want and I want it now.”

“I’m sure I could write a list of reasons why you shouldn’t, why we shouldn’t. But, I’m not going to go into that. I will tell you you’re absolutely insane and completely unpredictable. But, yes, I’ll marry your crazy ass.”

“Good. Kiss me.” He held my face between his hands, cradling it with gentleness. “I love you” he mumbled with his lips lingering against mine.

“I love you, too.” Jude pulled me closer, deepening the kiss and playing my heart strings like only he could.

“I have a surprise for you” Jude interrupted our kiss.

“More surprises? Please do tell.” I muttered.

“We don’t have to go back to that house ever again. I just signed the papers on a new place and it’s far away from the one that holds those haunted memories.”

“Really? We bought a house?”

“I figured it was best for us both. We need a fresh start.” He placed a set of keys in my palm and pressed my fingers down over top of them.

“I can honestly say I’m pleased with this decision. I had a sick feeling in my stomach at the thought of going back there. Thank you. I love you. You spend way too much time protecting me.”

“It’s my job, baby.” He winked and kissed my fingertips. “Nurse Carol says you can go home tomorrow if you’re feeling up to it.”

“Now that is the best news I’ve heard all day. What do I have to do to get a burger around here?” I rubbed my growling stomach and exaggerated a look of agony. “I’m ready to fill up on take out and sleep in a bed next to you. You have no idea how lonely I’ve felt in this bed all alone” I pouted and rubbed the empty space beside me in the bed.

“Well, let’s just get Carol to whip you up some dinner.” He pressed the red call button and smiled. “Now, scoot your ass over. You’ve been stingy with this bed you know. I’ve been forced to sleep in a chair for two nights. I can’t deal with this much longer.” Jude climbed in the bed beside me, pressing his body against mine. “Get some more rest, my love. Tomorrow, if you’re able we’re going furniture shopping. As of now, we have an empty house.”

“Sure, let’s take the blind girl furniture shopping. What a brilliant idea.” I joked.

“Hey, I could always do it myself. I saw some nice leopard print chairs that would make the living room quite cozy.”

“Oh hell no, even blind I could shop better than you.”

“Now you’re just being cocky. Get some sleep, baby. I have a lot I want to do with you tomorrow.” Jude chuckled and tickled my side.

“I assure you, I have a lot more I want to do with you.” I snorted and closed my eyes. I finally felt at peace. This was a feeling I’d searched for. I could now smile and look forward to the future with Jude as my husband. I embraced the wonderful feeling of change that was in store for us. From this moment on, Jude was mine and only mine. I wouldn’t have to share him with anyone. “I love you” I whispered and drifted off into a dream.