The Mind (The Reluctant Romantics #1.5) by Kate Stewart Page A

in and out, growing weaker by the second.
    “You love him, don’t you?” It was barely a whisper, and though it took me by surprise, I gave him an honest answer.
    “Yes, I do. With every single inch of me, I do. I love him very much.”
    “That’s good news,” he said weakly, trying in vain to come up with the strength to speak. I adjusted his pillow behind him. “He told me he’d found the woman he’d been looking for. The only time he smiles lately is when we talk about you.” His faced creased deeply with his attempt at a smile, and for a brief moment I saw a glimpse of Grant as an older man.
    I took the seat next to him and leaned into his line of vision. “I’ve found my forever guy in him. He’s amazing and warm and funny and caring and means everything to me. You did a fantastic job with him. I’ll take good care of him, I promise.”
    “You already do.” I turned to see Grant in the doorway, eyes wide and filled with emotion. He cleared his throat, smiling at us both. “I see you two have become well acquainted.”
    “Sure have, she’s kicking my ass on the board but she’s been sweet about it.” He smiled at his son and I saw a wave of pain hit him. I stuck the needle into his drip and waited for him to nod a yes to me as I squeezed a small dose of morphine in. I quickly cornered his bed and sat with him, holding his hand until I saw a small sign of relief on his pained face. I watched him slip off to sleep and felt Grant’s hands on my shoulder.
    “You look just like him, Grant.”
    ”I know.”
    “He’s a handsome man.”
    “So am I.” I grinned up at him and could see a smile on his lips that didn’t quite reach his eyes. He pulled the covers up over his sleeping father and I saw his face crumble in recognition that it wouldn’t be long. Even I could physically feel his father slipping away. I stood up and turned to him, wrapping my arms around him, trying to soothe him with my words.
    “You are so amazing, Grant. He’s lucky to have you as a son. You have taken excellent care of him. There really is nothing more you could do. Please know he loves you and he knows you love him. I can tell you are the light of his life.”
    Without replying, he took my hand and led me to the back porch, which had an incredible mountain view on a clear day like today. I turned my eyes towards Grant just as he buried his head in his hands for a moment and then looked up at me with hopeful eyes.
    “Do you really love me or were you just saying that, you know...to make him feel better?”
    “Of course I love you, Grant. I’m crazy in love with you, can’t you tell?”
    His eyes were swimming as he gently took my mouth. I cried into his lips, my confession making me tear up. I pulled back and gave him my heart with my next confession.
    “I love you, Grant. You really are all I’ve ever wanted. I will build the house with you and I want it all. You made me want more, you are the more.”
    He pulled me to him tightly, his lips meshing with mine as he held them there for a sweet and blissful eternity. When he pulled away, his emotions were etched on every feature. “This whole time I was worried you thought I was truly crazy, and for a heartbeat I thought you were just as nuts for going along with it, but it’s so real. I mean, I felt it, I wanted to believe it, but now that I know for sure . . .” He pulled back and showcased his dimple. “I won’t ever fuck this up, Rose. I won’t ever give you a reason to want to walk away. I’ll love you the way you deserve to be loved, always. That’s my promise.”
    “I know.”
    “Marry me,” he whispered softly.
    “Yes.”
    It was that simple and yet so completely satisfying. I didn’t need a quartet or diamond ring. I didn’t want rehearsed words and I knew his proposal wasn’t premeditated. Like everything else with us, it was on our time and perfect. We both stood in shock as we gazed at each other and then burst out laughing as we