The First Steps (A Hunter Hayes Fanfiction, Book 1 of the Hardships Saga)

Chapter Thirty-Three

❝propose (pronounced prəˈpəʊz or pruh-pohz), verb

to ask for one's hand in marriage❞

"H-Hunt?" she whispered, her voice shaking. He smiled at her slightly, before getting down in front of her on one knee. She put a hand up to her mouth in shock.

"I've been in love with you for God knows how long. I love the way you make wishes on 11:11 and when you find an eyelash. I love how your hair puffs up after you take a shower, and I love your freckles. I love all of the random little stories and myths and conspiracy theories you tell me. You are honestly my whole world, and a life without you isn't a life worth living. I love you, and I want to be the one you wake up next to every morning, the one who wipes your tears away when you're upset, and the one who protects you from everything." He smiled, bringing out the ring. Lilly stared at it in shock, then back at Hunter. He chuckled nervously. "Lilliana May Lawson, would you do me the absolute honour of becoming my wife?"

She stared at the beautiful ring, then back at Hunter, and slowly, she nodded. "Yes. God, yes. I would be an idiot to marry someone else."

Hunter smiled, tears in both their eyes now, as he slipped the ring onto her finger. "It's a perfect fit," he whispered, his voice breaking. "It's perfect. You're perfect. I can't believe this is happening." He laughed and hugged her tightly, kissing her and laughing again. "You are so beautiful. I love you so much."

"Does this make me your fiancée?" asked Lilly.

Hunter nodded. "Lilly is my fiancée. Lilly is my fiancée." He kissed her passionately, and the two clung onto the other's body, Lilly's hands roaming Hunter's back and Hunter's hands tangled in Lilly's red hair. It was a perfect scene in every way- her lips were sweet and tasted a bit like chocolate because of the warm beverage she had just drunk, and her hair smelled of apple and cinnamon, making him crave more. Lilly was everything. And now she would be his wife.

Before he knew it, they were in their bedroom and Lilly had unbuttoned his shirt. "Are you sure?" he whispered, and she nodded without hesitation.

"Do we need protection?" she asked breathlessly.

"Not unless you mind getting pregnant tonight."

"I don't. I love you," she whispered.

"I love you more," he whispered back, before kissing her again and allowing himself to sink into perfection.

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Lilly woke up with her leg slung over Hunter's stomach, feeling tired, but beyond happy. Hunter's hand was resting on her bare leg and she smiled slightly to herself, remembering the events of the night before. Was it possible to be so lucky? She ran her hand down Hunter's sculpted chest. If he wasn't so perfectly warm, she would be convinced that he was, in fact, a marble statue, a masterpiece she wasn't allowed to touch. His hair was a bit messy, and he was snoring lightly, each snore making his chest vibrate.

There was something here now that hadn't been there before. Was it because it had been their first time together? Or was it knowing that they would be getting married? She didn't know, but she did know for sure she would never truly feel whole without him. He was so caring, so gentle, and she trusted him now more than ever.

Hunter stirred slightly and smiled a tiny bit, his eyes still closed. "You know, I don't like being watched while I'm sleeping."

"Oh?" she said, intertwining her fingers with his. "I don't remember caring what you think."

He smiled, feeling her ring against his hand, and opened his startlingly blue eyes. "I love you so much, petal," he said softly. "Thank you."

She nestled into his chest a little, and he brought the blanket over them, covering their bodies. "Cold?" he asked.