Chapter Three

"Do you love me?" Jake's words stunned me. I've told him that I've love him, and he's told me that he loves me. He said it first in the same spot that we stand today.

"You know I do." I replied to him, not understanding exactly what he's saying.

"I know you've said it, but I need to know right now if you love me." He was serious, his eyes didn't have that devious sparkle that I'm so used to. They were so… down to earth and caring and loving. He was searching my eyes for an answer, watching me for a reaction, hoping I wouldn't get angry again. Normally I'm not so hot headed; at least I don't like to think so. Seeing as how my period would start in about a week I was a lot more moody.

"Jake," I reached up and ran a finger down my boyfriend's jaw line before I placed both hands on his rock hard chest. I felt the thundering beat of his heart under my hands. "I've loved you since that day on the beach… that day you kissed me for the first time, when you asked me to marry you."

He smiled wide. "I was hoping you'd say that." He paused for a moment and looked at the sun that was slowly starting to fall.

"The game is gonna start soon, we need to get back. You can't be late for this, you're the quarterback."

"I know, I know, but the game can wait. You're more important."

"What's gotten into you?" I asked him, teasing.

"Melanie, I love you more than anything. I've loved you for ten years. You're my best friend, the girl- woman- I can count on no matter what. You're my partner in crime. I couldn't imagine a life without you. You're the reason I wake up in the morning, the reason I work so hard, the reason I try to be the best man that I can be," My heart was beating faster and I felt my eyes open wide. Jake grabbed my hands and pulled me closer to him. "I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want you to be the mother of my kids, the woman I come home to every night, the woman I support. I never want to leave your side, Mel. I wanna marry you," He ran a hand through is hair, a nervous habit of his and chuckled, "I guess what I'm trying to say is: will you, Melanie Smooter, marry me?"

My mouth fell open in surprise. I kept thinking Oh my God throughout his beautiful speech. I had acted like such a bitch today and he still wants to marry me.

His words, though, ran through my head. What about my dreams? I don't want to live here all my life, but I don't want to live without him. I want him by my side everywhere I go… I want to be his wife, the girl that has his kids.

I licked my lips and was about to answer when he cut me off, "You don't have to answer right away. If you're not sure then I can wait. We don't have to get married right away."

"Jake," I smiled and cut him off, "Yes, I'll marry you."

He grinned and his lips fell on mine. He picked me up and swung me around. He put me down and we both couldn't stop smiling. I deepened our kiss and reached for the bottom of his shirt, but he pulled away.

"Not yet, Baby. I have a game to win… for you." He smiled and grabbed my hand. I was a little disappointed that he had rejected me like that, but we'd done it before and we'd have every day of our lives to do that. He had a game to win… the final game of the season.

"I love you Jake."

"I love you too. C'mon, before we're late!"