“He’s not marrying my sister.Stop saying that.”Cole shoots me one of his very familiar glares.
“That’s up to her.”I smirk, remembering the phone call he made when he learned Caylee had moved in with me.Try as he might, Cole is warming to me.
In any case, I’ve already asked her dad, and he said yes.Gettingherto agree is another thing.I’ve asked her three times, and each time Caylee thinks I’m joking.
I’m not.
But to be fair, each time it was in the moment, and I didn’t have a ring.So, I can see why she thought I wasn’t serious.
We have both been through a lot in the past few weeks.I’ve changed jobs and stood up to my parents.She was traumatized, lost her employment and moved in with me.
I’m now navigating a ton of clothes and female toiletries in my house.Oh, and cushions.Jesus there are a lot of cushions.
I love it.
So, as they say, timing means nothing when you know.When you know...you really know.
Caylee is mine.
The party goes well into the night, the sun dips in the sky, and some incredible fireworks are let off to celebrate the Black Hawke Security Christmas party.
All our friends and colleagues are here, and everyone has a smile on their face.
It’s the perfect night.
I glance around, checking out the vibe, and see Liam chatting to a young woman in the distance.She’s flicking her hair, letting me know they are flirting.I don’t recognize her, but, then again, I don’t know everyone at the party.Maybe she’s a friend of Savannah’s.
They wander into the house.
I glance down at Caylee, who sits between my legs on the grass near the firepit as we nibble on some s’mores.
Then over to Cassy, who nods.
She climbs to her feet and heads to the music, turning the volume down.Someone complains as I shuffle back and lift Caylee to her feet.
“What?Jake.What are we—”
“It’s time, beautiful.”I grin, but, fuck, I’m nervous.
She shoves the rest of her smore in her mouth, munching and glancing around while I drop to one knee.
Holy cow.
I’m shaking.
“Caylee.”I pull out a ring, and her head almost spins off her shoulders when she flips back around.
“Motherfucker,” Cole growls.
“Jake,” Caylee gasps, her hand flying to her mouth.“Oh, my god.”
Clearing my throat, I let out a silent prayer to everyone and everything.
How do men do this every day?It’s terrifying.
“It took me way too long to realize how important you are to me,” I begin, my voice rough.
“Not happening.This is not happening.”
