“Seeing you two together, I don’t think you have anything to worry about.” His stepfather clapped him on the shoulder. “I’m happy for you.”
Rafe hoped the congratulations weren’t premature. He went to the large tree that provided the cushioned stop for the miniature zip line. They’d patterned it off the one used for training. His mother wasn’t thrilled about having it there because she was worried the kids would try to use it without supervision.
At the sound of a car, he headed back to the house. It turned out to be Lessa’s piano teacher and her two children. Another car pulled up behind them, this one with Cass and her little family. When another vehicle drove into the driveway, full of Ahri’s class friends, Rafe’s nerves ratcheted up. He hadn’t expected this large an audience.
“I thought it was just going to be the family,” he said to his mother.
“This will be an important day for Ahri. You shouldn’t be the only one here with family and friends around you.”
“Ma, what if she says no?”
“Be brave, my sweet son.” His mother patted his cheek and strode over to greet her new guests.
The next car to arrive carried Bill Ryze and his wife. Rafe had made that invitation. The police had finally released the hallway fight video, and the guys had insisted they wanted to watch it after the kids went to bed. Rafe didn’t want to see it; he already had enough nightmares of it, but Ahri had said she hoped watching it would help her put it to rest. He wouldn’t let her sit through it without him.
When the police had reported finding a flash drive taped underneath the dress of Ahri’s Korean doll, Rafe had thought for a second that she might pass out. He’d needed both Francie and Alex’s help to talk Ahri off the emotional ledge on that one. She’d tried to blame herself for putting them in danger, but Ma would have nothing of it.
Sadly, the information on the drive had confirmed that Zed had not only known he’d been helping to launder drug cartel money but had tried to steal some of it. The police could only guess the motivation, though it appeared to go back to Zed’s gambling problems.
“Are you okay?” Rafe had asked Ahri when they’d hung up the phone with the police.
“Yes. I’m just sad that he wasted his life for something so stupid. It’s weird. It’s like I’ve learned this about a stranger; I feel emotionally removed from it.” She’d let out a breath. “For the first time, I feel free to move on.”
At the sound of a car, Rafe glanced up. Ahri. He jogged over to open her door and pull her into an embrace.
“Hey, what’s that all about?” she asked when he released her.
“Just missed you yesterday.” It was true. He took her hand, hoping his nerves didn’t show. All night he’d had recurring nightmares that she turned him down.
“Is that a zip line?” she asked.
“It sure is.”
Dressed in her harness, Lessa bounced with excitement where she and Alex stood on the platform around the tree for the zip line. Rafe gave Alex a subtle nod, and he grinned.
“Since everyone has arrived,” his stepfather said, “our little lady here wants to show everyone that she’s brave like her mother.”
“Did you arrange this?” Ahri whispered to Rafe.
“Me and the guys.” His heart was thudding so hard he was sure she must hear it. Was he giving it away? “It’s all she’s talked about since we went without her.”
“You ready?” Alex asked after he made sure Lessa’s hands were solidly on the brake. She nodded, and he gave her a gentle push off the platform.
Rafe’s little sister squealed all the way to the end where he’d positioned himself and Ahri.
“You brave girl!” Ahri said, steadying her.
Without looking at him, Lessa pulled the bear from her harness. Everyone edged closer, and Rafe waited for Ahri to see the opening in the toy.
“Inside. Inside,” Nik said, pointing.
Ahri’s brows quirked up, and she seemed unsure what she was supposed to do.
“Take it out,” Lessa cried, and Nik added, “Yes, take it out.”
As Ahri put her fingers inside and pulled out the box, Rafe dropped to one knee. She gasped, and her eyes immediately filled with tears. For the first time, a sense of peace washed over him, and he took her hand.
“Sweet Ahri, I’ve felt a pull to you since the first time we met.It’s only gotten stronger the more I’ve learned about you. I’ve told you before that I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?”
