CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR: Really?

"Did you mean it?" he asks, hands clutching her hips tightly enough to bruise, eyes searching hers, caution and hope mingling in his gaze. Just as his heart had started to settle it races again. The words slipped out. He didn't mean to ask. And he can't believe she's not running for the door or freaking out. Did she really just say yes?

She can feel every muscle in his body tense, braced for a blow. The feel of him gripping her hips is almost painful. But it's the expression of stunned disbelief warring with joy that has her reaching for him again, needing to reassure him. "What do you mean, did I mean it? she asks, caution and outrage mixing to bring forth a tentative reaffirmation.

Eyes searching his, heart racing, she instinctively pulls him closer, snuggling her body into his even as she keeps her eyes locked on his. Gulping heavily, he nods his head slightly. "Yeah. I didn't mean to say it, not like this…but yeah, I meant it."

"So did I. If you're asking, I'm answering. Yes." Reaching up, she pulls him in for a long, slow kiss, her heart overflowing with the feelings racing through her. The intensity of their earlier activities pale in comparison to the emotions rushing through her now. He wants to marry her! Hands trembling now, tears building behind her eyes, her voice shakes as she tells him, gently, firmly, "I love you, Rick. I want to be with you. I can't imagine being with anyone else. So yes. I'll marry you."

A huge grin takes over his face as tears spring to his eyes. Pulling her in tightly, he wraps his arms around her, laughing and hugging her tightly in return. He confesses, "I've been thinking asking you every night since our first night, Kate. I've known even before we were really together. You're it for me. I think its pretty obvious….I'm so in love with you….I just didn't want to push too hard or too fast."

Chuckling a little, she admits "That's because you know me so well. You scare me, Rick. I love who I am when I'm with you, but this scares me. The thing is, I'm more scared of being without you now than of being with you. It's not easy for me to admit this, but I need you in my life. You make everything…better."

"You too." Pulling back, he caresses her face with his hand, tracing the gentle lines of her jaw, pushing her hair behind her ear, his touch soothing and reverent. "You're so beautiful, Kate. I love everything about you…."

Ducking her head shyly, still uncomfortable with compliments, she swallows nervously. Capturing his hand with her own, she squeezes it gently before taking his face in her hands, cradling his jaw. Planting a soft kiss on his mouth she pulls back and swallows nervously, eyes searching his. "Um, don't take this the wrong way, Rick, but…can we just keep this between us for now? I want this. I want you…obviously, but I don't want to rush us. I feel so certain about us, but I want to enjoy the journey. Do you know what I mean?"

Pulling back, a hooded expression on his face, he nods his head gently, a tender expression on his face. "Yeah. I understand." Climbing out of bed, he turns his back to her. The tense lines of his back and butt distract her momentarily, even as her heart clutches, certain she's hurt him. He says the right things, but watching him root in his suitcase for his clothing, she's certain her words have bruised him. Wanting to undo the damage her words have caused, she starts to get up, to plead with him.

"Rick. Don't. Come talk to me. Come here..."

Turning to her, a look of surprise crosses his face. Advancing on her, she sees he has something clutched in his hand.

"Shh…no. No. It's okay. That's not it. I didn't do this right Kate." Dropping a quick kiss on her mouth, he drops to one knee before her as he seeks out her gaze. "Kate. I love you. You mean everything to me. And I will wait for you as long as you want me to. But right now, I need you to know. You are the light in my world. You make every day better and every night sweeter. I can't imagine my life without you in it. I'm a better man when you're with me." Fumbling now, he opens a ring box and takes out the most gorgeous diamond ring she's ever seen. Holding it out to her between his thumb and index finger, he looks at her with he tears in his eyes, emotions lacing his voice. "I love you Kate. I want you to have this. You can wear it when you want or not wear it if you don't want to. But please, Kate, I've been holding this for you for a long time. Let me ask you again, the right way. Will you marry me?"

Tears streaming down her face, she nods her head. "Yes, Rick. Yes. I will. Oh my God. It's stunning Rick." Holding her hand out, fingers shaking, she smiles through her tears. "I'd be honored to wear it, Rick."

Watching him intensely, eyes locked on his, he slides the ring onto the ring finger of her left hand, the cold platinum of the band warming as it settles into place, a perfect fit. Clutching her hand tightly, he leans in to kiss her, softly, tenderly, worshiping her mouth with his. Unable to hold herself back any longer, emotions racing through her, she springs forward, tackling him to the ground, her mouth leading the charge as she embraces him, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. "What did I ever do to deserve you?" she asks. "God, I love you so much."

Pulling back, she looks back down at the ring, the sparkle of the diamonds catching the light as she props her hand on his shoulder for balance. She stares at the symbol on her finger before bringing her gaze back to his. Peppering him with kisses, she tells him brokenly. "When we're together, away from work, I will proudly wear this ring. To be honest, I never want to take it off." The beautiful smile she bestows on him has him reaching for her again. "But at work, Rick, and at other times, I don't want to jeopardize it and risk losing it or damaging it when I'm at work. Would it bother you if I add it to the chain with my mom's ring and wear it close to my heart instead? It's where I carry you every day anyway…"

Nodding his head, he postures up towards her, his voice husky with emotion. "I'd like that Kate. You don't have to wear it if you don't want to. But I'd be honored if you keep it with your mom's ring."

Rolling her over onto her back, he leans down and kisses her again, his hands moving across her body with purpose now before reaching up to clasp hers tightly, bringing them up to rest on each side of her head. "Now. If you don't mind, I'd like to make love to my fiancée…."

"Mmm…you have the best ideas…."