Dreams Do Come True

Chapter Seven

It was close to 8 months since you successfully graduated from your university. Gavin and Nines were both there to see you accept your certificate, they were both there when you signed documents and contracts for various things. Gavin wanted to be there for every crucial moment for you, and Nines wanted to be there to ensure that you weren't getting screwed over by what was stated in the contracts and documents.

It was the evening before the bookstore opening and everything was in place. Unfortunately, there wouldn't be a grand opening of sorts so Gavin didn't book the day off; having booked quite a number of days off already with wanting to be there for the other stuff in the past few days. So, he decided to take you out to dinner tonight. Or so you thought.

He came home early so he could have a shower and get ready while you also had time to do your hair and makeup, wearing the dress that you knew drew him wild. It wasn't your intention to tease him but you also know he's been stressed with work but has also been there for you with everything... you knew there was only one way to show your appreciation... but that was for after dinner.

You hadn't even left the house yet, let alone the bedroom when two large hands had your hips pinned against the wall. You let out a small gasp and arched against him with a small hum. His lips trailing from your cheek and down your jawline, "You look delicious babe." One of your hands rested on his forearm, the other trailed up the nape of his neck, fingers pressing against the smaller parts of his hair. "Dinner first and then dessert."
"I'd rather have you for dinner." Came the husky murmur against your ear as his hands gripped your hips and pressed his own against yours, feeling the slight bulge in his pants. You forced yourself to hold back a moan, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of how much you really want to cave and give him what he wants.
"And not dessert? Shame. Dessert's always the best part." You teased, tilting your head sideways for his lips to have better access. He refused to kiss your lips because he didn't want to mess up your makeup. "Can't I have both?" he groaned out but forced himself to pull away, especially if he wants tonight to go as planned; which didn't exactly interfere with your plans but will definitely delay them somewhat.

His lust-filled green eyes stared at yours as a finger gently hooked under your chin, thumb very lightly caressed across your dark red painted lips. "You really are fucking beautiful, you know that, right?" Luckily the blush you were wearing covered up the natural heat of your cheeks at his compliment. "I do now." You murmured softly as your gaze met his and your lips smiled softly. You had no idea how much Gavin worshipped the ground you walked on, adored you in every single aspect of the word.

At the same time, he was your entire world to you. He may not look like it, but he was the epitome of a gentleman to you. You've been told by so many that he's an absolute asshole at work (granted he's calmed down since he'd been dating you) but you just can't see it. Smiling, you placed a chaste kiss on his cheek and leaned back, thumb wiping away the lipstick residue left on his cheek. "And you, Detective Reed, are quite the charmer." If he could wink, he would, but he'd given up trying ages ago. Instead, his lips turned up into a smirk and his hand connected with the curve of your ass. "C'mon."

Gavin took you both to the bookstore first. Night was falling and you could only make out the sign by the street lamps; 'Cozy Book Nook Store' a name that suited the theme of the bookstore you designed. Even with the curtains drawn, the windows and signage already had a welcoming and cozy tone. Gavin had wanted to see the final product before anyone else when the doors opened tomorrow.

Unlocking the door, you flicked some of the lights and let him in. He wondered around a little, taking it all in. Mind, he's been coming in every few days to see the progress, spending his weekends dedicated to helping you unbox books and placing them on the shelves. But he knows you've been working hard nonstop between then and now, adding the finishing touches and such.

You quietly stood to the side, hands clasped together in front of you as you watched his reaction. Did it look good? Did you do a good job at setting it up? It was a rustic themed look inside with little nooks lit up by soft fairy lights where people could sit and read. Eventually you were going to incorporate a hot chocolate machine but that also came with a lot of pros and cons, and not quite in budget at the moment.

"This looks amazing! You nervous?" he turned as he watched you walk over to him, forcing himself to keep his eyes on yours and not wander down to the curve of your hips as they sway while you walked. "Excited mostly, but yeah, a little nervous."

"You know I'm proud of you, babe. I'm so fucking proud of you." He glanced around at the store before his gaze landed back on yours. "You achieved all this on your own." "Well, I can't take all the credit. You helped too."
"Hm, I think I mostly got in the way."

There was one weekend where Gavin kept slapping your ass as he walked past while you were bent over some books or boxes, a couple of times you both fooled around too. It was basically a wasted weekend because Gavin clearly had other things on his mind.

He took your hand in his, lifting it to his lips and pressing a gentle kiss to the palm of your hand. "You've come a long way Y/N. You should be proud of yourself. I am. I am so fucking proud of you, you have no idea. I know things weren't easy. But I will always be there for you. And I..." Gavin had wanted to say something romantic, something that would sweep you off your feet but he wasn't capable of doing that. He still struggles to open up on a heart-to-heart level at times.

Instead, his free hand disappeared into the inside pocket of his suit jacket and pulled out a small square box. Before you even had time to process anything, he was down on one knee, still holding your hand while managing to flick the box open to reveal a beautiful gold diamond ring. "I would be even more proud to call you my wife. Y/N Y/M/N Y/L/N, will you marry me?"

He had every intention of asking you to marry him regardless of whether you graduated or not. If you didn't graduate, it would give him the opportunity to whisk you away for a weekend to help forget your troubles, to propose even if it means you don't become the successful bookstore owner you've always dreamed of being. Whether you were an assistant, or at a 'menial' job like retail or at Starbucks... he'd still be proud to call you his wife.

But when you graduated and bought the building that was only a block away from the Precinct (expect a lot of visits from Gavin, sometimes Nines too, on his lunchbreak), he knew the perfect way to propose to you; When your Bookstore was all set up and ready to open.

"I... Gavin are you sure?"
"I'm on my knees, asking. I'm pretty sure Y/N."
"No, I meant... my family aren't exactly –"
"I'm well aware of your family and I would really rather not talk about them while I'm trying to ask you to marry me here."
You laughed softly at accidentally leaving him in limbo like that. But your laughter soon turned into tears of happiness as you sobbed out a "Yes."
Being a physically active Detective, he was able to unexpectedly brace himself as you lunged your body against him. Arms coming around his neck while you kissed whatever part of him you could. "Oh my god, yes!"

Still holding the box, his arms snaked around your lower back as he held you to him, his lips managing to catch yours in a tender but deep kiss in the middle of your bookstore.