Chasing Forevermore Read Online Free Page A

and took her hand, guiding her through the trees.
    “Hayes…”
    “Hmm?”
    “Are you taking me to our spot?”
    “Yep,” I said, squeezing her hand gently.
    “This is the perfect gift.”
    I smiled to myself, hoping she liked the entire gift. Once we rounded a bush, I pushed a few branches back and let her go in front of me.
    She gasped at the small candles laid out around the blanket-covered rock. “Hayes…oh my gosh. It’s beautiful.”
    “Happy birthday, baby. I’m glad you like it.” I pulled her in closer. “I think we should dance.”
    “What?”
    “Yep.” I pulled my phone out of my jeans pocket. “And I know the perfect song.” I scrolled through my iTunes until I found You and Me by Lifehouse and pressed play.
    Mac grinned as I pulled her closer, wrapping my arms around her. “Do you know how hard it was for me that night? I was already head over heels in love with you.”
    She tightened her arms around my neck and placed a small kiss on my lips. “I loved you, too. I was just scared.”
    “I hope you know you never have to be scared with me. Ever.”
    “I know.” She lay her head against my shoulder and we both remained quiet. It was a peaceful feeling having her so close, one I would be fine with for the rest of my life.
    The song began to end and my heart picked up pace, knowing it was almost time.
    “Hayes, are you okay?”
    “Yeah. I’m great.”
    “If you say so. But your heart is beating like crazy.”
    “I have you in my arms, I’m great.” I placed a kiss on her head. “I promise.”
    The song ended and I kissed her one more time before pulling back. I swallowed and took a deep breath, then grabbed her hand and bent down on one knee. “Mac,” I started as her eyes rounded and her breathing accelerated, “I love you. With all my heart. And I’ve never stopped, not for one second.”
    I cleared my throat and continued. “I can still remember the first time we came out here. You were kinda nervous about me secretly being a killer or something, and I was kinda nervous because I knew I already had a thing for you.” Holy shit, I think I might die from panic .
    “Anyway, we laid down and I showed you the beautiful sky, but as you were watching the stars, I was watching something so much more stunning: you. I knew if I ever got you, I’d never want to let you go. And I still never want to.
    “Now, we already share a beautiful daughter, a home, and I was hoping we’d be able to share forever plus more, forevermore, together. Mackenzie, will you marry me?” I asked, holding the ring out in front of her.

Chapter 5
Mackenzie
     
    I can’t breathe. I think I’m going to pass out . I wanted to say yes. So badly, I wanted to share forever with Hayes, but I was positive he only asked because of my questions about him being happy.
    “No, Hayes—”
    “You’re saying no?” he asked, anger and hurt lacing his voice as he stood. He turned away from me and rubbed the back of his neck. “I can’t fucking believe this.”
    “It’s not that I don’t want to—”
    “Then your answer should’ve been yes,” he said, turning around to face me.
    Suddenly needing warmth, I pulled my jacket around me and tried to explain. “Hayes…you’re only asking me because I questioned your happiness last night. This isn’t about you wanting to marry me, it’s about you needing to reassure me.”
    In one swift move, he was standing directly in front of me, our chests touching, his hands cupping my face. “Do you really think I planned this in less than a day? I’ve been planning this for a while. It took me weeks to find the perfect ring for you. Fuck, Mac, I’ve never wanted anything more in my life.”
    I stared into his eyes, seeing the pain and worry I had caused. “I’m sorry.” I paused, feeling confused. I wanted to believe he was telling me the truth. That he really did want forever with me and this proposal hadn’t been a rash decision. “Yes,” I stated, placing my