Declan’s absolutely serious.His violet eyes are hard, and his jaw is tense.I pause a moment to think, and then I feel it, a flash that changes everything for me.
Here I am, ribbing him for demanding that we get married out of some false sense of chivalry.But in reality, I think maybe I’m testing him.Because I want to marry him.
I do.
Want to be his wife.
I want this to be real.
The understanding shocks me, but I try not to let on that I’m amazed and excited by the idea of living happily ever after with Declan, the only man I’ve ever loved.
There’s an issue, though.A couple of them.
One, he’s a player.
Two, I’m still not sure it would be fair for me to marry him.Because he’s not hearing what I’m telling him.That he’s under no obligation to marry me.Like all the MacLaines, Declan’s decent and kind.The rock-solid foundation of all he does is integrity, loyalty, and courage.
Yeah, it’s definitely a SEAL thing.Cal has a SEAL motto for every occasion, and in my years at Yosemite, I’ve probably heard each one of them a dozen times.
But it’s a MacLaine thing, too.It’s how Declan’s parents raised him.I’ve heard that Declan’s late mother, Stella, was a straight shooter, laying down the law and insisting on respect from her five wild-ass boys.
I’ve seen first-hand that Jamie is a tough son-of-a-gun wrapped up in dad jokes and silly barbecue aprons.The man is dead serious about his family’s legacy of Yosemite Ranch, though, and anyone who gets between the land and Jamie MacLaine is a fool.
I’ve always thought that Declan is more like his father than any of the other MacLaine boys.Jamie and Declan are all fun and games on the outside, and rock-hard towers of strength on the inside.
So with that in mind, I can’t help but wonder what will happen tomorrow, when reality sinks in.What if Declan looks around, finds himself married to me, and regrets falling into the snare of honor and integrity?What if he feels like he’s been trapped?What if it ruins his life?
If so, happily-ever-after won’t even be an option.We’ll end up with tragically-ever-after instead.
“You’re really serious, aren’t you?”
Declan nods.“Damn right I am.I want this.I want to marry you.Please marry me, Summer.Now.”
“Okay.Let’s do it.Now.”
“Can we grab a burger on the way?I’m starving.”
“I thought you’d never ask.”
CHAPTER 27
Declan
I’m driving the rented Escalade to the Mariah Carey Chapel of Love, my head still pounding and my thoughts still a tangled mess.But I’ve got a double cheeseburger in my hand, and it’s helping already.
I just deflowered my best friend.My favorite person.A woman who admitted that she’s been saving herself for me.
It was the most powerful, intense sex I’ve ever experienced in my life.She was the most loving and present sexual partner I’ve ever had.
I love Summer.
I’ve always loved her.
So why am I so twisted up about this?
I steal a glance at Summer in the passenger seat, eating her burger while lost in her own thoughts.She’s a strong woman, physically and mentally, but with a delicate core.I never want to hurt her.I never want to do anything that’s not in her best interests.I worry that she might regret this kind of rash decision.
She turns to face me, her head tipped to the side and a soft smile on her lips.“Want to turn around, Declan?It’s not too late.”
