“Yes, that’s not changing.” Finn took a deep breath and then opened the box in his hand. Inside was a platinum ring.The diamond in the center was surrounded by tiny starburst sapphires. Simple. Elegant. Just like Lainey.
“I want to ask your mom to marry me,” Finn said softly. “But only if you’re okay with it.”
Luke went still. For a long minute, he didn’t say a word, just stared at the ring. Finn’s heart dropped.
What if he wasn’t okay with it? What if this changed everything? What if…?
Then without warning, Luke lunged at Finn, almost knocking the box out of his hand. “For real? You’d be my dad for real?”
Finn caught him. “Yeah. I already feel that I am. But this would make it official.”
“Does Mom know?”
“Nope.” Finn hugged him tight, his heart pounding. “No. Can you keep it a secret? We’re gonna do it right. Cape Canaveral. Rocket launch and everything.”
“I promise not to say a word.” He zipped his lips tight. Then he grinned so big, his cheeks puffed up like a chipmunk’s. “Best. Day. Ever.”
CHAPTER 52
Jetty Park Beachwas almost empty. A few families were scattered along the shoreline, many in folding chairs, photographers setting up tripods with long lenses aimed at the horizon. Kids clambered over the rocks and stared toward the launch pad in wide-eyed wonder. The warm, salty breeze carried the lingering scent of sunscreen.
Lainey stood barefoot in the sand watching as the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting streaks of pink and gray across the sky. Somewhere beyond the port, a rocket waited on the launch pad. Out of sight. Silent. Waiting.
She’d see it soon enough.
Anticipation hung in the air.
Luke raced along the surf line barefoot, his pants legs rolled up. She turned toward Finn, who was walking behind their son, and smiled to herself.
Finn had been acting weird lately. Not bad weird. A little quieter. A little jittery.
For sure, he was up to something. But what?
“Hey.” His voice was low and warm as he stepped beside her.
She turned and found him holding Luke’s hand, both of them grinning like Cheshire Cats.
“We’ve got the spot,” Finn said, gesturing toward the dunes. He’d brought a picnic supper, and blanket, set everything up and now looked like he was trying not to pace. He was quiet, distracted. His hands were fiddling with something in his pocket.
Lainey arched a brow. Finn had stared down more danger than she could count, but tonight he looked like he was one deep breath away from coming unglued.
“Is it time, Dad?” Luke asked, eyes gleaming.
He nodded.
“Time for what?” she asked.
Finn looked at her. Nervous. Hopeful. And dropped to one knee.
Her breath caught.
“Lainey.” His voice trembled. “You have always been the love of my life. Even when…” His voice cracked, and he blew out his breath. “Even when I didn’t think I deserved you. Even when I was too stubborn to admit how much I needed and loved you.”
He pulled a small velvet box from his pocket and opened it. Inside was a platinum ring with a single diamond surrounded by tiny sapphires like stars scattered across the sky.
“I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Raising Luke. Building something that lasts.” He swallowed hard. “Lainey Harper, will you marry me?”
Luke squeezed her hand. “Please say yes, Mom.”
