Chapter 166 The Questions
Dakota's P.O.V.
I put Jamie's phone on my nightstand after texting Quincy. I know he'll get suspicious soon, but hopefully, we can get some information from him first. Galdino will continue talking to him and get information on the twins’ plan with the other families.
After taking a shower, I lie down next to Ari. When Xavier told me Jamie was leaving her room, I stayed in the shadows to hear what she was saying to the others. When she grabbed Rain and spoke to her as she did, that was the final straw. Ari is sleeping as I stroke his head. I'll be glad when he can move around more. We help him use the bathroom, but walking takes a lot of effort. Courtney rubs the good skin around the scars to help the skin not feel so stiff. As I fall asleep, I keep my hand on his head. His love keeps me going even if he can't always be by my side.
I wake up to soft kisses on my face. I smile but don't open my eyes.
"You look so beautiful and peaceful in your sleep." I open my eyes and kiss him.
"Knowing that you're here waiting for me is what makes what I'm doing easier. I love you, Ari. With all the chaos flying around our families, you have been the one I know I can depend on no matter what." He kisses me again.
"Marry me." I pull back and look into his eyes.
"What?" He smiles and puts his arm over me.
"I want you to marry me. I know this isn't a great proposal, with me lying on my stomach. I knew the first time I met you at the benefit that I would ask you to marry me. I love you, Dakota, and I want to spend the rest of my life showing you how much I love you." I kiss him and put my forehead against his.
"Yes, I'll marry you." Ari kisses me all over my face while I laugh.
"I was scared you would say no because it's too fast," he says against my lips.
"Who cares about how fast it is? We're in love, and life is too short to wait around. I only want to tell those who are close to us because I don't want our enemies to know, or it may increase their aggression against us." The last thing I ever thought about was marriage, but marrying Ari after this feels like the happy ending we need.
"Courtney said she would help me sit in a chair today with lots of padding. Let's tell people then, so I can look at least halfway like the man you deserve." I run my fingers through his hair.
"You are more than enough of a man. I'll get Courtney so we can set you up. Hopefully, someone has cooked breakfast, too." I kiss him again and get out of bed. After braiding my hair and getting dressed, I leave to find Courtney. I run into her, coming up the stairs.
"Ari said you're going to help him sit up. Can we do it now? We want to tell everyone something, and he'd rather do it sitting." She hugs me and kisses my head.
"Of course we can. I was just coming up to check on him. Your mom and dad are here, too. Sarah and I made a breakfast casserole, hash browns, bacon, and toast." My stomach growls as we walk to the bedroom.
"Good, I'm starving." I was going to video call my parents, but now I won't need to. Courtney puts pillows into the reclining chair next to the bed, and after changing Ari's bandages, we help him up. He uses the restroom, and I see how much stronger he is. When he's done, we get him comfortable in the chair.
"How does that feel?" Courtney asks.
"It feels wonderful." He smiles at me as I kiss his cheek.
"We'll be right back with food and everyone." He nods as we walk out of the room. Galdino, Tyler, Shea, Sarah, Xavier, Luka, Rain, Bobby, and my parents are there when we get to the kitchen. Dana and Gavin come in the front door.
"Where's Noah and Kylie?" I ask.
"We're here." I turn when I hear Noah's voice and see them behind me; their faces are red. I won't put them on the spot now, but I may later. I have a feeling my brother is no longer a virgin.
"Everyone, go ahead and get a plate of food and then come with me. Ari and I have something we need to tell you." My mom walks over and hugs me.
"Is everything okay?" I don't care how old I get, there is nothing like a mom's hug.
"Not everything, but what we need to talk about is," I reply as Dad walks over with a tray holding four plates of food. He leans over and kisses my head.
"I got food for the three of us and Ari. How's he feeling?" I kiss Dad's cheek.
"He's feeling better, and he's actually sitting up." Once everyone has food, we head back upstairs. Ari smiles when we walk in. Dad sets the tray down and removes all the plates except for one. He then puts the tray on Ari's lap.
"Thank you all for coming up here," Ari says as I walk over and hold his hand. It's good that we have such a big bedroom; otherwise, we'd be packed in here like sardines.
"Ari asked me to marry him this morning, and I said yes."