I pulled open the drawer in the nightstand next to the bed. Reaching inside, I pulled out a small blue box. I peeked back at Alexa to make sure she was still sleeping soundly. I knew she wasn’t ready for this yet. My hands trembled as I popped the box open. My last trip back home, this damn ring fucking screamed to me from the jewelry store window. It was perfect for Alexa. The four carat diamond twinkled in the light from the lamp. I couldn’t wait to see it on her finger and know that she would be mine forever.
I knew my parents were going to freak the fuck out when we got engaged. My dad had dreams for me that didn’t include my getting married young. But he’d understand when I explained that she was as important to me as mom was to him. He worshipped the ground she walked on. No fucking way he wouldn’t stand behind me on this when I made him understand that. And if I had to resort to a guilt trip and remind him that he’d almost destroyed my relationship with his meddling, then so be it. I’d do what needed to be done to make sure that Alexa stayed by my side.
I heard the sheets rustle as she rolled over, and I put the ring back in the drawer. As I closed it, her hand reached out for me. I rolled back towards her and pulled her into my arms. Her eyes were still closed, with dark smudges underneath them. I wore her the fuck out last night. It was like I was trying to make up for lost time—I couldn’t get enough of her.
As she slept in my arms, she let out a small sigh and her lips tilted in a smile. She must be dreaming of me then. I kissed her cheek lightly so I didn’t wake her and closed my eyes to catch a quick nap before she woke up. Wouldn’t do for me to be tired later on. I had her all to myself for the day, and I intended to make the most of it. We were going to start the new year off the right way—together.