“And I will never, ever lose count.”

“Make me lose count, Blake Hartt.”Livia let him lift her and guide her body onto him.Joined. Inside. Together.“I love you,” they breathed.”

“Dear Livia McHughI'll be your husband. I'll be nothing but yours for the rest of forever. A single, simple day with you is something I'll refuse to take for granted. You have been the reason my heart beats since the moment I saw you, long before your hands actually had to do the job for me. Sleep in my arms. Wake up by my side. My beautiful love, be my wife and make me the happiest man. And I will never, ever lose count. Love always, Blake Hartt”

“Today, when I count her smile, I get to keep it.”

“He paused until she locked eyes with him. “Count, Livia. Count out loud when you come for me.”“Two, oh, three, God, oh, God.”“Screw the biting. Just please, just more,” she begged.“Biting is next,” he said.By the time he was nibbling circles, she was counting again. “Four—your hands, use your hands.”“Five…six…seven. I’m never going to stop…” She was almost panicked in her frenzy.”

“I never want to disappoint you, Livia.” Blake sounded stronger now, determined, but still anxious.“That’s not possible. Ever.”

“Livia read from the paper as if it were a letter. “Dear Blake Hartt, thank you. Thank you so much for thinking my smile was worth waiting for. Thank you for letting me see who you are inside. I found the sweetest spot in the world—it’s wherever you are, surrounded by your arms. Please be my husband. I couldn’t have it any other way. I promise to make you lose count. Love, Livia McHugh.”