Matching All the Way

by Veronica Eden

“Yes! You’re the first one that noticed.

“I notice everything about you.”

“A co-op dog,” I muse. “Adopt him together?” “I like that idea. He can be ours.” As soon as she says ours, I’m swayed by the thought of doing this with her. “Okay.” She lights up. “Really?” “Yeah. Let’s take him home.”

I love…her. I’m in love with her. It hits me. Strikes me so hard in the chest it knocks the wind out of me.

Eve’s who I picture having that future with. And if she’s not part of it? I’m not interested in any future that doesn’t include her.

It’s time to put down my roots. But it’s not the roots that matter, it’s the person I want to ground me. The one I want to be with whether we’re standing still or on the move, no matter where life takes us. Eve. She’s my roots.

I want to make our home with her by my side.

At some point, she became a vital part of my life. Without her, I won’t be able to breathe, to exist. Eve is my person. Simple as that.

“My girl gets everything she asks for.”

“I’m so glad you’re with me,” I admit. “I’ll always be there for you when you need me.”

“There was only one room left. It’s a king,” I say.

“Only one bed. Just like your current read.”

“Look at you, learning the tropes.” “Gotta keep up with w...

“I’m glad I get you for more than one night.” “I’m not going anywhere. You get me forever.”

“You always know what to say to get my gremlin brain to stop being such a jerk to me.” “Because I love you,” he says simply.

“I love you, too,” I murmur.

“I know.”

“You...

“You’re always showing me. The things you make for me, or when you bought me that dog figurine. How you melt against me when I have you in my arms. The way you smile at me is diffe...

You’re my girl, Evie. My world doesn’t spin without you in it. I want you with me when I wake up. When I go to sleep. In the middle of the week. Every—” Kiss. “—single—” Kiss. “—day.”

“I’m glad it made you happy.”

“You make me happy.”

“Not as much as you ...

“Are you going to fight me on thi...

“I will,” he insists. “I’ll out-stubborn your competitive streak every time, sweetheart, because no matter how much you l...

“Ready to go home?”

“I’d happily go anywhere with you.” Because as long as I’m with him, there are no bad days.

“Sweetheart, you’re everything to me. You make me want to be the best man I possibly can be, for myself and for you.” “Yes,” she blurts. My brows lift. “I’m not done yet.” “Oh. Okay. Keep going.”

“I love the life we’re building. I want to spend every day by your side. Taking care of you. Making you laugh. Wiping your tears. The good. The bad. All of it. I’m in, sweetheart. I’m in with you forever.”

“So what do you think? Want to marry me?”

“Oh, you’re waiting. I already said yes.”