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JAAPER AND I WERE BACK AT OUR WATERFALL, THE GENTLE RISH OF WATER SOOTHING OUR NERVES. The sound always calmed me it was our little escape from the world.
He kept trailing kisses along my neck and jawline, pulling my attention away from my studies.
We lay together behind the waterfall. I held a book of Robert Frost's poetry, reading quietly. Poetry was my passion, my safe place.
"I think I know enough of hate to say that, for destruction, ice is also great, and would suffice..." I read aloud, savoring the words.
Jasper teasingly snatched the book from my hands and leaned in for a kiss. I stopped him, laughing.
"English final. Gotta focus," I said.
He grinned and kissed me anyway. Sunlight sparkled across our skin as it peeked through the waterfall, making the moment feel almost magical. Pulling back, he smiled, eyes shining.
"Marry me," he said.
"Shut up," I laughed, playfully pushing him away.
It wasn't the first time he'd asked, and it certainly wouldn't be the last.
"No," I giggled.
He kissed my cheek, then my forehead.
"Marry me," he whispered again.
"Why?" I asked, trying to keep a straight face.
He kissed my neck, slow and teasing.
"Where I come from, it's the way one says 'I love you,'" he murmured.
I pushed him away lightly, jumping to my feet.
"Where I come from, it's the way one says, 'I got knocked up,'" I teased back.
I was thinking of my parents how my mom married my dad after getting pregnant with Amelia. Love had been there, of course, but the timing had forced things.
I started gathering my coat and books.
Suddenly, he was right in front of me, playfully grabbing my things.
"You're worried about what people will think," he said.
"I'm worried that two out of three marriages end in divorce. That's not exactly comforting, Jasper," I said, meeting his eyes.
"The divorce rate among immortals is much lower. And considering you're stuck with me forever, darling..." His thick southern accent wrapped around the words, and I melted.
We stood inches apart, the game between us laced with desire.
"Marry me, please," he begged softly.
"How about we start somewhere small first? A promise ring, or a necklace. Something to remind us that it's me and you. Forever," I suggested.
He smiled, pulling me close and kissing me deeply.
"Wanna race back to your house?" he asked, smirking.
"On three?" I challenged.
He hummed in agreement.
"One... two... three!"
We took off, running like the world had disappeared. In that moment, I felt free truly alive. Moments like these, with people I loved, made me my truest self. And with Jasper, I felt more alive than ever.
