Bad Girls Don't Marry Marines

“Stop it.” Her response was weak even to her own ears.

“No, I won’t stop it. From the first minute I saw you, I knew you were mine. You stayed with me. Whether we travel the world, shaving dogs’ butts and eating bad diner food, or stay right here, carving out our own version of perfection, I don’t care. With you, Val, I feel like I’ve finally come home.”

you’re fine. You’ll find some nice girl to marry and have kids with—”

He shook her a little. “Are you listening to me? I don’t want to find a nice girl. I don’t want anyone but you. I love you. I love your wildness and your heart. I love that you try hard to be strong, to take care of things without asking for help, but I am telling you, I am here. You have someone. Someone who loves everything about you, from your webbed toes to your bad temper. I told you I wanted to see how far this thing could go, but I think it can go on forever.”

But without you, I’m not okay, Val. I’m half alive. How is that better for me?”