“Sounds like a great idea,” Ford said. “Anything to keep the streets safe tonight.”
“Speaking of safe,” he said when Meredith came out holding a tray. “Don’t drop anything and break it. You don’t need any cuts or blood on food before guests arrive.”
“Ha ha,” she said. “I’m not as klutzy around you anymore. I think it was more nerves in the beginning of seeing you again. You know, the big bad grouchy guarded Clay Ridgeway.”
The minute she set the tray down, he had her in his arms and swung her up as if he was cradling her. “You like me that way,” he whispered against her lips.
“Blah,” Gale said. “I like you better when you’re being a jerk over being all sweet and romantic.”
Meredith laughed. “Clay isn’t romantic. He’s sweet though.”
“Do you want me to be romantic?” he asked, then set her down.
“Nope. I love you just the way you are.”
“Then you don’t want me to do this in front of my family?” he asked, getting down on one knee.
Silence greeted that move. Then his sister yelled, “Mom, come quick!”
Reenie and his mother rushed out, then almost skidded to a halt when they saw him in that position.
“Now that everyone is here, I can begin. I never knew what I was missing until you tripped into my life again.”
“Not funny,” she said, slapping his arm.
“But the truth. Seriously. In the end, you were the one who caught me. Meredith Banks, will you be my wife?”
He wasn’t the type for a long speech. She was right—he wasn’t romantic. But he was honest. He was to the point.
He’d never leave her guessing again.
“Yes!” She put her hand out and he slid the diamond ring on. She turned it around with the light hitting it. “It sparkles like glitter. Perfect!”
The glitter brought back a memory. Something she’d never do again. He knew that. But one thing he wasn’t so sure of. “Just don’t throw any more apples at my head when you’re frustrated with me.”
“You know what? You’ve got a deal!”
The End!
