I wink at Pops when we return, letting him know the next part of the mission is all systems go.
I enter Royal’s to the scent of hops. It’s been nearly five months since I walked in here, peeved after losing a game, only to find the man I’d been lusting after sitting at the bar. A lot has happened in that time—unexpectedly and wonderfully so. If anyone would have told me I’d have a boyfriend and be in love, I would have laughed in their face.
Looking around, I see a handful of patrons and Cam through the dim lighting. He’s polishing the bar top with his hair falling over his eyes. He glances up with a wave and smile, jerking his head toward the end of the bar where Stiles is waiting. He’d asked me to meet him here. But if he has noticed my arrival, it doesn’t show. He’s nursing his beer with an economy of movement.
Since that dinner at my parents’ a couple of weeks ago, things have been better than ever. Stiles isn’t a man that seeks permission or approval, but knowing my family trusts him to love me was like a boulder had been lifted off his shoulders. He’s practically been floating. And that’s saying a lot for a man who is usually so still.
Our relationship has progressed at top speed, and I’m down with it—no fears or doubts. We spend most weekends at the house with his grandfather. The colonel had talked about moving to a retirement home to give us privacy. We wouldn’t hear of it. He loves that house and his garden.
Instead, Stiles suggested we build him an apartment, using the massive space in the basement that has big windows for natural light. It would give him access to everything he needs on one level and a walk-out directly to the backyard. I drew up a design for the colonel, and like he often says, he was as tickled as a two-tailed dog.
The renovations won’t be as major as Dee and Mick’s house, where they had to move out. I spoke to her on my way here. She was being weirdly hyper. But I suppose with Mick’s book release doing well and her due date ten days away, she has reason to be excited. Though seriously, how is it even possible to push a baby through your v-jay? The body is a freaking fascinating thing.
It would be cool to be a mom one day in the distant, distant future. Stiles would make a great dad. Even though he didn’t have the best example with his own father, he had one in the colonel. And his big heart and capacity to love are the hallmarks of good parenting.Jeez. Listen to me, thinking about having kids, and we’re not even officially shacked up. It must be Dee’s pregnancy hormones rubbing off on me.
She’d asked Lexie and me to be the godmothers. Me, a godmother? I love it. And Lex was thrilled too. She really needed that spirit boost. She still hasn’t been quite herself. I’d spoken to her this morning, and it had been the most energetic I’d heard her since the godmother announcement. “Have an amazing time tonight,” she’d said with a wink, wink in her voice, when I was just going out for a burger.
As I reach Stiles, my gaze runs up his big thighs encased in denim to a tan sweater and past that dark, sleek goatee to a pair of equally dark eyes. One look at him still supercharges my heart and every part of me.
“Hi.” He smiles.
“Hi.” I smile back and shrug out of my coat. He places it beside him.
“Come here often?” he quips.
“I’m a regular.”
“I hear they make an awesome burger—double stack and a sauce that’s the chef’s kiss.” He makes the gesture with his fingers, repeating what I’d done. He then signals for Cam. “Pale ale for the lady.”
“Sure, coming up.”
Cam pulls my beer and slides it across to me, then leaves us with a Cheshire grin. What was with everybody today?
I tilt back the glass for a sip and lick my lips.
Stiles leans in. “Wanna see my tattoos?”
“You offering?” I laugh.
“Yep.”
“I thought I wasn’t your type.”
“You’re more than my type. You’re my everything.”
He then retrieves a box out of his pocket and opens it. My jaw drops, and I’m stunned, speechless. A beautiful oval diamond glitters up at me.
“I knew from the beginning that one night was never going to be enough. I want a lifetime of one-nights with you. I want forever. I love you, Jordyn, more than I knew it was possible to love.” He goes down on one knee, causing every head in the pub to turn. “Jordyn Clara, will you marry me?”
It’s not even a thought. “Yes, holy shit, yes!”
He shouts out a whoop to a chorus of applause. Then he’s on his feet, his arms sweeping around me, lifting me off the ground. I cup his jaw, so elated I don’t know what to do with myself except put my lips to his. This kiss is a kiss to end all kisses. A kiss befitting a moment I will never forget and cherish for as long as I live. Cam and his brothers, who have appeared along with the patrons, are all clapping again and hollering their congrats. My heart, full of love for this man, is careening in my chest. Stiles keeps a firm hold on me, a reminder that he won’t ever let me go. When we finally break the kiss, I’m crying and laughing and smiling.
“A speech to my family and now a proposal in a bar. Who are you?”
“A man crazy in love.”
“Well, in case you haven’t noticed, I’m pretty crazy in love myself.”
