Page 149 of Doughn't Let Me Go

“I know. So just ask it.”

I blow out a steadying breath, grabbing her hand. “Will you, Doris Lorraine Palmer”—her eyes light up even more—“do me the honor of…”

A stuttered breath.

“…getting out of my car so we can go have milkshakes? You’re just sitting around in here letting those heathens rack up my bill again, and we both know I can’t afford that.”

Her eyes go from desire to fury in an instant, and I’m doing everything I can to hold back my laugh.

“I hate you so much right now.”

Her words are whispered,seethed.

“No you don’t.”

“I do. So much.”

“You should really save yourI dofor our wedding.”

“I swear, Porter, I am going to—”

“What? Marry me?”

“Porter…” She says my name through gritted teeth.

“I’m serious, Dory.”

Her mouth drops open, and I lift my hand, pushing it closed.

“Don’t open this again unless it’s to say yes.”

“You haven’t asked anything.” She juts her chin out defiantly.

“You are awful at following rules.”

“I know.” She grins. “But look where it got us.”

“Here. It got us here. Inthismoment.Themoment.”

“The moment?” Her eyes widen. “Themoment?”

I nod. “Marry me, Dory. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.Please.”

“I don’t know…” she says. “It’s a big commitment.”

“I swear, I am going to—”

“What? Marry me?” She leans in, those lips I love grazing mine. “Because I’m saying yes, Porter.”

“Oh, thank god. Now shut up and kiss me before I change my mind.”

And she does.