Series Starter Firsts in Series Collection - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,387

their deaths between the policies and the court settlement. I live off the interest.” I watch his expression; he’s simply listening to me, hanging on every word. “I could never allow you to give up your dreams for me, Liam.”

“Allie, I can get drafted to a team hundreds of miles from here.” He pulls me tighter against him. “I can’t go into the draft knowing I’m going to be leaving the love of my life behind. I need to know that wherever I end up you’ll be with me, by my side. I know it’s a lot to ask, but none of it would mean anything without you there.” He kisses my forehead. “We can bring Gran with us, she can live with us, and you guys can be together every day. Hell, we can build a house and give her her own damn wing; I don’t care as long as you’re next to me.”

My heart is racing, beating so loud I’m sure he can hear it. I take his hand and place it on my chest, right above my heart. I can tell, by the expression on his face, he can feel my heart’s thunderous rhythm. He places my hand on his chest in the same position, and I can feel his heart mirroring the beat of mine. I take a deep breath and repeat the words he said to me in the emergency room a couple months ago. “Liam, I’ll go anywhere with you. You’re my dream,” I whisper. I watch as a single tear leaks from his eyes. I gently kiss it away. When I pull back, he’s grinning so widely I think his face might crack.

“You’re really mine, you’ll come with me?” He swallows hard. “You’ll marry me?” he asks softly.

I nod. I can’t speak over the lump in my throat.

“I’ll give you the perfect proposal, but just knowing you want a future with me, forever with me, you’ve made me the happiest man alive. I love you, Allison,” he says as he draws me tight against him, and we fall asleep in each other’s arms.

I’m jolted awake at seven by Liam’s alarm clock screeching with its annoying beeps. I reach over and turn it off, then roll over to wake Liam up. “Liam, it’s time to get up, babe.”

He grumbles, “I’m awake,” as he moves me back against his chest. “Good morning, beautiful,” he whispers huskily in my ear. I snuggle back into his arms, seeking his warmth. “Do you remember last night?” he questions me. “Do you have any regrets in the light of day?”

I roll over so that I’m facing him. “No regrets, you’re stuck with me, MacCoy.”

“Allie, I promise to make all of your dreams come true,” he says as he kisses me. I thought about protesting, since I haven’t brushed my teeth, yet, but I know he doesn’t care. Every morning I’ve tried to warn him, he acts as though I’m crazy. Going as far as to tell me he’ll take me anyway he can get me. “As much as I wish we could lie here all day, I need to get up and get moving because we have to be at the field at nine. The game starts at noon, are you and Hales still coming with my parents?” he asks me.

“Yes, they’re picking us up here, and we’re all headed to their house for dinner afterward. Your mom made a huge meal just to wrap it up and put it in the fridge.” I smile, thinking about Mrs. MacCoy going through so much trouble, so Liam and I could spend Thanksgiving with Gran. “I really appreciate her delaying dinner, so we could go to Gran’s yesterday,” I tell him.

“Baby, she loves you, just like I do. This works out great, so we can all be there to celebrate today’s win.” He winks.

I giggle at his cockiness. “That’s the most beautiful sound,” he says, kissing me quickly and rolling out of bed.

I slip on a pair of his sweats and head to the kitchen to make breakfast before they have to leave.

I’m standing at the stove, flipping pancakes, when I feel Liam step behind me and place his hands on my hips. “Can I help, baby?”

I look over my shoulder at him. “No, you just relax. You have a big game today.”

He rests his head on my shoulder and guides my hips back against his. I continue making pancakes while he holds me close.

“Mornin’,” Aiden mumbles as he slides into