36. Sunday

THIRTY-SIX

"Sunshine," he starts, and I can hear the nervousness in his voice. I look down; his trembling hand grips mine, and I place my free hand on his and give him an encouraging squeeze. "You know, I had this speech all planned out. I rehearsed it and even made Atlas stand in as you."

A laugh comes out as I look down at him. "Oh, yeah, what did he say?" Ash chuckles nervously.

"Oh, he cried and leapt on me. It was beautiful." He gives me a shy grin before continuing.

"But anyway, as I kneel here and look up at you, all I can think is how lucky I am to have what I have. Sunday, baby, do you have any idea why I call you sunshine?" I shrug lightly.

"Originally, I figured it was the pet name you decided on to annoy me or you'd forgotten my name." Ash shakes his head.

"No, sunshine, it's because, from the moment you walked into my train wreck of a life, you brought a light that I'd never experienced. You're like the sun. You would take that light and warmth with you every time you left. And I don't want to ever experience another day, moment, or second without your warmth, light, or love."

I choke back a sob as he continues. "Sunday, I want to feel this way forever. I want to feel this feeling of home that I only get when I am with you and Wade until the day I die. I was sure I was too broken and determined to stay wild and out on the loose forever. But then I found you again, and–" He shakes his head softly. "You are making me a better person. I love who I'm becoming because of you. You make me want to be a better person. I want forever with you and Wade. So, with that said…" He takes a shaking breath before pulling out a jewelry box, and oh my god.

The ring is beautiful—white gold with a double halo of diamonds and a deep red stone in the center.

"Sunday Sutton, will you marry me?" I can't speak. I laugh through my tears as I nod, and I watch him visibly relax. His trembling hand slips the ring on my finger before standing and pulling me tightly into his embrace.

"I love you, Sunday," he whispers into my neck, and I grip him tighter.

"I love you, Ash."