Oneshots - Kayce Dutton Book 2

Race to the heart.

Request - what if they're back together and he comes to support her at a race (she got into running during their break) What if this race is a couple months after them getting back together and he proposes to her at the end of the race?

"And you remember what time you need to be there?" You asked walking out of the bathroom, your toothbrush between your teeth.

"Not sure how I could with you telling me every ten minutes," Kayce smirked from where he was pulling off his boots in the bed.

"Kayce..." You warned.

"Race starts at eight," Kayce stood up. "With your run pace, you'll be done around ten after nine or so."

You smiled and then went back into the bathroom to finish getting ready for bed. When you walked out, Kayce passed you and slapped your ass. You yelped and tried to swat at him, but he was too fast. Walking over to your bed you crawled under the covers and sighed. Three months ago, you'd have never thought you'd be here again.

You and Kayce had dated for three years, but five months ago there had been an attach on the Dutton ranch. You had been taken, held at gun point for almost twelve hours, seen people killed in front of you, then rescued by authorities. You couldn't do it anymore, or so you thought. Then, a month after you very brutal breakup, you ran into Kayce in town, and he looked just as miserable as you felt. A chat at the local bar, and a very drunk hook up in his truck later...and you were together again, happier than you had been before.

He was your person.

You had taken up running though, to deal with your anxiety and stress from the attack. It helped clear your mind and strengthen a weak point in your eyes – your own physical strength. Not that even if you had more muscle, you could have fought off four men taking you away, but it made you feel better at least. Kayce was supportive. He hated he caused the reason for you to feel the need to have this to begin with, but he had now been at your trainings and massaged your sore muscles after long runs.

"How're you feeling?" Kayce asked, turning off the lights and crawling in next to you.

"Nervous," You admitted quietly.

"You'll do great," Kayce said looking over at you. "I'm proud of you."

"Thanks," You sighed. "Just feel so anxious about it."

"I'll be at the finish line," Kayce pulled you into his arms. "Just run to me."

"In more ways than one," You snuggled up to him and felt yourself slowly fall asleep.

Kayce held you close that night. Neither of you moved until your alarm went off the next morning very early. Kayce got up with you, sat while you ate your pre-race breakfast, and drove you to the starting line. He kissed you deeply before he got back into his truck with a promise to see you at the end.

**

Your pace had been great so far. The morning was slightly cloudy and cooler, perfect conditions for a run through the valley. You loved the trees flowing past you as you ran the course. You had started out one of many at the starting line, but slowly people had spaced out. You weren't first, but you weren't last...somewhere in the middle. You knew you had one more curve and then you'd be able to see the finish line. Thinking of that made you think of Kayce, and you smiled.

Your ponytail bounced as you curved around the bend and saw the crowd down near the end. Your pace picked up, surprising you. Letting your feet carry you, you finished the race with a few minutes to spare on your average time. You were proud, cheeks hurting from the large smile on your face as you dodged the crowd to find Kayce. He was standing off to the side, under on of the trees along with your parents, sister and even Beth. Hugs were wrapped around you as you were passed along from person to person, Kayce being your last.

You fell into his arms and sighed, you were done.

"Congrats, baby," Kayce murmured in your ear.

"Thank you," You smiled up at him.

His brown eyes were shining back at you as you saw an unusual smile on his lips. Almost as though he was nervous, though you couldn't figure out why he would be. The crowd around you thinned out some, but Kayce kept a strong hold on you. His hands moved to hold your waist as he stepped back slightly from you.

"Kayce?" You asked him.

Kayce smiled at you, slowly kneeling down to one knee in front of you. You were breathing hard but seeing him made you almost stop. Was he doing what you thought he was doing? Everything around you both disappeared as Kayce held your hands in his. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a simple, gold wedding band with a pretty diamond set in it.

"Y/N...these past few months have taught me that you're all I need," Kayce said. "You're all I want...you're perfect, in every way and I want to be the best man, husband, I can be for you. Watching you complete this task today just proves your strength and resilience in life...something I want to share with you. So...Y/N? Would you, please, marry me?"

There was no other word needed except one.

"Yes," You smiled. "Yes...yes."

Kayce stood up, wrapping you into his arms as you cried into his shoulder. The crowd around you cheered as Kayce pulled back to slide the ring on your finger. After staring you reached up and held his cheek, drawing his lips to yours in the perfect kiss.