“I don’t care about who you’re pregnant with,” Ryker said, holding my gaze. “You’re the only one I ever planned on marrying.”

His voice was steady, but there was so much emotion behind it, it made me freeze for a second. I stared at him, stunned, unsure if I’d heard him right.

Then he added, even more quietly, “I actually can’t have kids… I’m infertile. So you don’t need to worry about that part.”

I blinked, completely caught off guard. Ryker’s eyes didn’t waver. He reached out again, gently taking my hand.

“So, will you give me a shot? To be the guy who gets to walk beside you for the rest of your life?”

The sunlight hit his face just right, and for a split second, he looked like something out of a painting. Way too perfect. I had to look away.

Still, I gently pulled my hand back. Ryker’s smile faded a bit, but he didn’t sulk.

“It’s okay,” he said. “I’ll wait. As long as it takes.”

I gave him a small smile… then slipped something into his hand—a concert ticket.

“You wanted a chance, didn’t you? Won’t you take it?”

His whole face lit up.

“So, um, I—I’ll pick you up tomorrow?” he said quickly, almost tripping over his words.

I nodded. He didn’t leave until I was safely inside.

Chapter 22