Tricks Of The Game

Chapter 43

*Kelsey's POV*

"Baby, wake up," Duncan whispered in my ear. I instinctively rolled over, cuddling close to him. I rested a hand just above his heart, feeling his bare chest rise and fall beneath my touch. I began to drift off again, until Duncan nudged my side. "We really have to get up, my love," he whispered again.

"Why?" I groaned. It was two days after my incident, and though I was off for a week anyway, Duncan decided to skip practice today to be home with me.

"Because I want to spend my day alone with my baby in other ways than just lying in bed," he chuckled at my ardent refusal to get up. "If you won't get up, I'm just going to have to take matters into my own hands," he warned before jumping off the bed, grabbing me, and briskly lifting me into his arms. He walked me to the landing, setting me down to kiss me.

"Wait here, gorgeous. Don't come down until I tell you," he said before bounding down the steps. I smiled and laughed to myself. My boy is without a doubt the cutest.

I sat in the chair on the landing and thought about everything Duncs and I had been through since the start of our relationship. This incredibly strong man had put up with so much because of me. He was going to raise another man's baby out of his love for me. At last, I found a keeper.

About 10 minutes later, my phone buzzed. It was from Duncan, telling me it was okay to come down. As I reached the bottom of the steps, I was surprised to see a large stuffed dog toy at the bottom. In the center was a sticker that said squeeze me, so I did. Moments later, a black Newfoundland puppy came running around the corner followed by Duncan.

"Oh my gosh, baby! Thank you so much!!" I knelt down next to the puppy, and he excitedly jumped up to lick my face. Just then, I noticed a rolled up piece of paper tucked in his collar. I gave Duncan a quizzical look before unrolling it.

Kelsey,

Since the day you came into my life, you have meant the world to me. You are so beautiful, have a selfless personality, and you take my breath away. No matter where this road takes us, I promise you I will never walk out. You and our sons are all that matter to me. I swear I will always protect you regardless of what happens. We've overcome every obstacle, baby girl. No one can stop us now. Words cannot express how much I love you.

Yours forever,

Duncan

"Baby," I said while wiping tears out of my eyes, "that was so beautiful." I pulled him into a hug.

He gently rubbed my back, placing a kiss on my lips. He pulled back a little, looking into my eyes. "Never in my entire life have I felt such a need to be with somebody," he said, and I noticed a tear forming in the corner of his eye. As he got down on one knee, I knew what was coming. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a small black velvet box. He opened it, revealing an absolutely beautiful ring.

"I love you so much, beautiful. You are the light of my life. Will you marry me?"

I got down to Duncan's level, wrapping my arms tightly around him as tears of joy stung my eyes. "Yes, Duncan. Of course I will marry you."