"I can't wine and dine you because of our baby, so yeah, juice and dine." He smirked. "What'd you say?"
Tears sparkled in my eyes, and I was speechless with joy. "Yes," I whispered. "I love you."
He quickly got to his feet and, resting his forehead on mine, slipped the ring onto my finger. "This was my mother's engagement ring. If you'd rather have a different one, I can get you one."
"Hell no! Wearing your mother's ring means a lot to me. You're not getting it back."
He grinned. "I never want it back."
I threw myself into his arms and held on tight. This man was going to be mine. I never thought I would have him. "I love you, Penelope," he said. I buried my face in his neck and breathed him in.
The sound of a throat being cleared drew our attention. Kendrick stood awkwardly beside us. "Sorry to interrupt." He waved his hand between us. "Is Carlisle okay?"
Jessop blew out a breath. "He'll be fine. Nothing's broken. Just bruised." He smiled wryly. "I'm sure Tallulah will look after him."
"Is it all over now?" I asked.
"In Sugar Briar, yes. Stillman has been moved to solitary until Riley, Lane, and Hodges arrive to question him." Kendrick offered me a smile. "The threat to you is gone, Pen." He glanced between Jessop and me. "Congratulations, huh?"
"Thanks," Jessop said, an embarrassed flush spreading across his cheeks.
"Thank you, Oliver."
"Well, if no one needs me, I'm going to head home and sleep for the next forty-eight hours." He waved as he left.
I turned and grinned at Jessop, who pecked me on the lips.
"God, I love you."
* * *
Three months after my father's arrest, I quickly blinked to hide my tears as I stared at Penelope. My best friend was getting married. She took my breath away. Her pretty, white, silk wedding dress clung to her curves, emphasizing the swell of her baby bump. She looked so happy, and I was grateful for that.
I had seen Jessop not too long ago, and he looked handsome in his navy-blue suit and sky-blue button-down shirt. He was clean-shaven with a trimmed haircut. He smelled good, though not quite as good as Carlisle. But then again, I was partial to the sexy oldest Hallen.
There was a knock at the door, and I opened it to find a smiling Rosie. She quickly hugged me, entered the room, and stopped when she saw Pen. Her breath caught, and then she burst into tears. I had to fight back my own.
"You look... I... I can't find the words to describe you. Beautiful seems inadequate."
I wrapped an arm around Rosie and said, "No more tears. I, for one, do not want to look like a panda in the wedding photos."
Rosie cleared her throat. "I came upstairs to tell you they're ready for you."
Pen swallowed hard and held out her hands. We each took one. "I can't believe I’m about to marry Jessop.”
"Wait until you see him." Rosie smirked. "He's almost as handsome as Rhodes." She waggled her brows.
"How long are you staying?”
"He has a game tomorrow night, so we're flying to meet the team in Florida right after the wedding." Rosie grinned. "Dodge is with us. He's doing well, although the injury is taking longer to heal than he'd like. The doctor won't clear him yet, which isn't going over well."
"He was hurt really badly. I'm not surprised he's still on medical leave." I shook my head. "I'm glad he came to the wedding with you.
"Oh!" Rosie's eyes popped wide open, causing Pen to glance over as if something were wrong. Rosie shook her head. "Nothing's wrong. Sorry. I just remembered that the sheriff and his partner, Chester, are here. Levi is with Scott downstairs. Bernie's son, Scott. He took you to dinner. That Scott."
“Oh, we finally get to meet Chester!” I chuckled. "We know about Scott and Levi, though. I think it’s sweet. They've been dating."
"That's hot," Rosie replied. "I mean, two men, you know?"
