The Endgame Is You (Rixon Raiders #4) - L A Cotton Page 0,46

think I’d known the second Mya brought it up that it was the right move, but we were young, and it was a big decision.

I wanted it though.

I wanted it with Mya.

Her lip curved. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.” I nodded. “I can start the business and you can stay at home with the kids and play Suzy Homemaker.” It was my turn to smile.

Mya batted my chest. “You did not just say that.”

“Oh, I did.” Parents forgotten, I dipped my head, and brushed my lips over hers. “We’ll need a house, something with more space and a yard; oh, and a dog. I’ve always wanted a dog.”

“You’re crazy.”

“Certifiable.” I grinned, but the rough bark of my father’s cough, ruined the moment.

“Son, we should probably talk about this.”

“Actually, Dad,” I said, tucking Mya into my side. “I don’t think there’s anything else to talk about. We’re doing this. You can either get on board with it, or not. But it won’t change anything.”

Not a damn thing.

Because I wasn’t lying when I said I’d give Mya everything she wanted. As I stood there, with my girl by my side, and my parents watching on as if I’d lost my damn mind, a sense of peace washed over me.

And suddenly, nothing about it seemed crazy anymore.

It felt good.

It felt right.

It felt like things were exactly the way they were supposed to be.

Mya

“I can’t believe you told your parents we’re going to foster.” I lifted my head off Asher’s shoulder and smiled up at him.

“It just came out. He started berating me and something inside me snapped.”

“He’s just worried, they both are.”

“And I get it, but I’m not a kid anymore. We’re old enough to make our own decisions.”

“And you definitely want this?” I stared at him with wide eyes.

“I want you to be happy, Mya. I want to make a home with you, start a family.”

God, the conviction in his voice was everything. Overwhelming in the best kind of way.

Asher meant every word and it just filled me with so much emotion, I bit down gently on my lip. “You know, if we look into doing this, it probably means putting a baby on hold for a few years.”

Why did the thought of making babies with Asher make my heart flutter?

Because he’s your forever guy, your happily-ever-after.

“And that’s okay. I’m in no rush for anything. I just want to know it’s in the cards.”

“It is. It definitely is.” I relaxed back into the crook of his arm. “I think I want two kids. A boy and a girl.”

“A boy and a girl and a house full of foster kids.”

“I don’t know about a house full.” One would be enough. But ever since I’d had the idea, I couldn’t get it out of my head.

“You know, there’s something we probably need to discuss first.” Asher slid off the couch and onto his knees in front of me. He pulled my hand into his and pressed his lips together.

“Oh my god,” I breathed. “Tell me you’re not about to do what I think you’re about to do?” My heart crashed violently against my ribcage.

“I think I am.” His voice trembled. “I didn’t plan it like this... Fuck, I don’t even have a ring. But I love you, Mya. I love you so fucking much, and sitting here, talking about babies and the future… well, it’s got me feeling all kinds of crazy.”

“Asher, you don’t need to do this... not now... not like this.”

“Yeah, babe, I kind of do. Because ring or no ring, I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life loving you. You want a house full of foster kids, but I just want you, Mya. Say yes... say yes and make me the happiest guy on the planet.”

“Yes,” I cried, launching myself into his arms. We landed in a tangle of limbs and laughter.

“Yes?” Asher stared up at me, and I grinned.

“Yes, I’ll marry you, you crazy idiot.”

“Oh fuck, did I really just do that?” The blood drained from his face. “I can’t believe I did that. I don’t even have a ring for fuck’s sake.”

“Asher, look at me.” I gripped his jaw. “I don’t need a ring. I don’t need a romantic gesture or a huge public display of affection. I only need this.” My other hand went to his breastbone, right where his heart lay.

“Yeah?” His voice was small.

“Yeah.”

“Good.” His expression morphed into pure joy. “Because I’m not taking it back ever. You’re mine now, Mya Hernandez, and I’m