PART THREE

Hamilton smiled, blinking slowly in the early morning sunlight that streamed through the window. He didn't think he'd ever get used to the peace he felt at that moment. Jake stirred slightly in his arms and he held her close, brushing back her hair so he could kiss her cheek tenderly. Her hair had grown in the last six months, he noticed.

Her eyes opened slowly and she smiled sleepily. "Morning," she said softly. He was so beautiful. Even after all the time they'd known each other, he still took her breath away.

"Morning," he whispered, leaning down to kiss her gently. "I love you," he said quietly.

She sighed happily. "I love you," she whispered. Even after six months together, she still had days where she couldn't believe her luck. Waking up in Hamilton's arms and knowing she was safe brought a peace she had never imagined possible. Her life, she had decided, was perfect.

He swallowed hard as he watched her. Hamilton hated to disturb Jake when she looked so happy. The last thing he wanted to do was cause any stress or anxiety. Sighing softly, he looked at her. He really had no choice, dammit.

"What is it?" she asked, looking up at him. His eyes were slightly shadowed as he smiled shakily. "Don't tell me nothing, Hamilton. I can see it. Is...is everything okay?" It wasn't like him to be so solemn, especially not first thing in the morning. Fear snaked through her, raising a chill down her back. She shivered.

His mind spun as he fought to remember the words he'd chosen so carefully. "Jake...I...I don't even know how to say this," he whispered.

Her heart sank and tears filled her eyes. "Just say it," she said quietly, waiting for the blow she knew was coming.

"Marry me?" he said quickly. Her eyes widened with shock and he took a deep breath, waiting. It hadn't been quite the way he'd imagined in his head, but...at least he'd asked. Now it was up to her.

Jake stared at him, her brain refusing to comprehend what she'd just heard. She could have sworn Hamilton had just proposed to her, but...that...no. She couldn't have heard right. But then...why did he look so scared?

"Jake," he whispered nervously, "are you going to say anything?"

Her eyes filled with tears as she started to smile. She'd heard correctly. "Yes, Hamilton," she whispered.

He bit his lip. "Y...yes you're going to say anything or yes..." his voice trailed off, the unspoken question lingering.

"Yes, I'll marry you," she whispered, tears starting to slide down her cheeks.

Overwhelmed, he pulled her closer, clinging. "Oh God...I love you, Jake." He reached under his pillow, pulling out the small velvet box, opening it carefully. "If you don't like it, we can exchange it and I swear I won't be insulted," he whispered.

"Oh my God, Hamilton," she gasped. "It...it's perfect...will you put it on me?"

His hands shook as he slid the platinum band onto her finger. The princess cut diamond sparkled in the morning light as they stared at Jake's hand. She looked up at him after a moment, whispering, "Are you sure this is what you really want?"

He smiled sweetly, his eyes glowing. "I'm sure, Jake. I've never wanted anything more than this. I've been hopelessly in love with you for almost 10 years, baby. Please can we make it official?"

She laughed, leaning up to kiss him slowly, her fingers sliding through his hair as she pulled him close. "God, I love you," she whispered.

"I think we should celebrate," he purred softly as a wicked grin slid over his lips.

Jake didn't protest.