The Square Up (F*** On The Court)

Chapter Thirteen

Kade

I grab the remote to open the bedroom curtains a sliver. The morning light spills across Abby’s face, and my chest tightens at the sight of her smiling in her sleep with one hand curled under her cheek. She’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen—hell, the most beautiful thing that’s ever existed. My fingers reach for a lock of her hair, rubbing the silky strands between them, and I wonder how I got so damn lucky.

Last night was a close call—too close. I’ve spent half the night trying to decide whether to give her space, let time do its work, orlock this down—right here, right now.

I want her. I need her by my side. Forever.

I glance at her face again, peaceful and soft in the morning light. She’s mine. And I’m going to make sure she knows it today and every day. I don’t care about a big wedding, fancy plans, or making it a spectacle. I care about her —our love, our future. I want her to know, to never doubt, that from this moment on, she is my life. My everything.

Her eyes flutter open, and when they meet mine, the world stops. I can’t help the smile tugging at my lips. “Morning, bright eyes,” I say, leaning down to kiss her forehead, inhaling the soft scent of her skin. It’s heaven. She’s heaven.

She grins back. “Morning, babe.”

I brush a lock of hair from her face. “I’ve been thinking…” My voice comes out steady, even though my heart is racing like I’m in the final minutes of a tied game.

“About what?” she asks, her eyes still a little hazy.

“About us,” I say, leaning in closer, needing her to hear every word. “About how I don’t want to wait.”

Her brow furrows. “Wait for what?”

“To marry you.” I let the words hang in the air. “Last night was a close call, baby. I can’t lose you—not now, not ever. The thought of you not being in my life… it crushes me. I want you to know in here,” I gently touch her forehead, “And in here,” I tap her heart. “That you’re the only one for me. I’m committed to you. Now, tomorrow, and for always.”

Her eyes widen, and for a moment, I worry I’ve gone too far. “You want to marry me today?” she asks, her voice barely a whisper.

I nod, my gaze never leaving hers. “Yes. Today. No fanfare, no stress. Just us and the love we have for each other.” I take her hand in mine, pressing it to my chest so she can feel the steady rhythm of my heart. “I don’t want anything else. But if you do—if you want the biggest, most extravagant wedding the world’s ever seen, I’ll make it happen. If you want unicorns, ponies, andfireworks in Paris—it’s yours. Just say the word.”

Tears well up in her eyes, but the smile across her face makes my heart slam against my ribs. “I’ll marry you today, babe.” She cups my jaw, her thumb brushing over my cheek. “I don’t want anything fancy either. Just you.”

Relief crashes over me, and I pull her into my arms, holding her tight against my chest. “You won’t be sorry,” I whisper, my lips brushing against her hair. “I’ll treat you like a princess all the days of my life.”

She laughs that sweet, soft sound that always makes my pulse skip. “I think I could learn to live with that.”

I pull back just enough to kiss her, slow and deep, savoring the feel of her mouth against mine. She’s everything I never knew I needed, and the thought of spending the rest of my life with her… it’s perfect. She’s perfect.

“I’m going to give you the world, Abby. Everything you want, it’s yours.” I kiss the tip of her nose, then her lips again, slowly, this time, relishing how her body melts into mine.

“I don’t need the world,” she whispers against my mouth. “I just need you.”