Bully stepbrother

76. Tattoo

CADEN

After adoring her for a full half-minute, an idea bumped into my head.

Yes, I was marking her as mine tonight, and we are walking into the new year as a married couple.

With a smile, I inform her, "I think I have a ring alternative before we go shopping."

A smile instantly spreads across her face.

"What is it?"

"Wait here," I insist, scampering to the kitchen with the bags of groceries.

By the island, I lay them free and grab a knife from the drawer, dug out a carrot from the bag. Quickly slicing it into two, I cut out a mini fraction.

With the knife, I scrape the center and made a hole until it could fit into my little finger.

Perfect.

My legs hurriedly take me back to the living room where Mad is still standing. I feel the heat of her warm gaze as she stares at me with desire in her calm eyes.

"I have a carrot." Thrilled, I announce when I halt before her and grab her hand in mine.

Excited, I wear her the ring made of a ripe carrot, and it slides in just perfectly as if it was made for her.

Her eyes lower to her fingers, while she smiles widely like a happy toddler.

She's so cute.

"From today forward, I give you this limited edition ring to be my lawful wife." I can't hold back the infectious chuckle from the fact that it's a carrot ring, and we're really doing this even though we don't know if it's legal.

But I love her; I couldn't wait. So I took the open opportunity this beautiful young lady had offered.

"To love you when life is agreeable and when it is disagreeable. To laugh with you in times of joy and comfort you in times of sorrow; during our achievements and during our losses."

Halfway through my unprepared vows, Mad has happy tears streaming down her sparkling eyes.

I've heard that eyes are windows to the human soul, and now I accept it. For I can see through the depth and width, I can see all of Madison right in front of me.

And she is truly in love with me.

"I've seen your patience and edge, your best and worst. I will strive not to take you for granted." I smile warmly, wiping her wet cheeks with my thumb. "I promise to be honest and open with you. Mad, you are my first, my last, my forever."

She exhales a shaky laugh and leans into my touch as I continue, "You are mine until the end of time, for I am yours for as long as you'll have me."

By the time I am calm and quietly staring at her, my heart has never felt more alive.

She draws in a deep breath and brings her hands over mine, bringing them between us.

"Caden, in case I never told you. The fun fact is: you are the poem I've waited so long to write. You've brought life to every part of me; I can't deny the prosperity of gushing our story." She smiles, more tears spilling down her face.

I want to wipe them, but she's holding my hands in hers.

"I know I can't solve all your problems, but I promise you won't have to face them alone. I will be by your side to shield you from the heat of the sun and the lightning of the storm." She sniffs, breathing out a small delightful laugh.

"I choose you to be no other than yourself." She says the part, her head shaking side by side. "Loving what I know of you and trusting who you will become."