Chapter 18

Summer

"I'm pregnant," I say.

Carter freezes for what feels like forever.

Then, he clasps his hands together behind his neck and stares at the freshly mown grass.

"Carter?"

He blows out a breath. "Are you sure?"

I curse the tears that start to leak from my eyes as I nod. "And it's yours."

Finally, he looks up at me. "Of course, it's mine," he says. "It's mine because you're my girl and that's that."

I swallow. "You're not mad?"

He releases his grip on the back of his neck and gestures like a wild man. "How could I be mad at you, woman?"

I try to breathe, but it sounds like a sobbing gasp. "You're not s-scared?"

He throws his head back and laughs. "Of course I'm scared. Who gives a shit?"

"So, what do we do?" I ask.

"What do we do? We get married!"

How is everything so simple with this guy?

"You want to marry me? We barely know each other."

"Please. I know you. I know you're smart, witty, and kind. You're optimistic in the darkest moments and make me see all the possibilities I can't see when I'm lost in my own head. I know you in my soul."

"Carter," I blubber.

"Well?"

"Well, what?"

With an exasperated grunt, he gets down on one knee. He takes my hand. "Summer Elizabeth Mosley, will you marry me?"

This is what I want.

I feel it in my gut. The hopeful side of me has not yet steered me wrong.

"Yes, I'll marry you, Carter MacKenzie."