Dinner unfolded like a celebration with layered conversation, sharp teasing, and quiet looks that meant more than words.
Letty’s eyes tracked Tessa through the space. “She’s so confident.” Amélie zigzagged between the tables until Gavin scooped her up effortlessly, settling her on his hip while giving instructions to a line cook.
The image struck Wyatt in a way he hadn’t anticipated as Letty’s hand found his under the table.We haven’t talked about kids.He leaned into her. “What?”
“Tessa is just so happy. I’ve never seen her so comfortable.”
Wyatt nudged her. “A good man can help with that.”
She gave him a quick smile as she extended her arms out waiting for Gavin to set down the child. Amélie ran into her arms and kissed her cheek.
Later, as dessert plates were cleared, Livvy leaned into Gavin. “Aren’t you usually open for lunch?”
“Closed for private family reasons.”
She looked around the table as Wyatt nodded with a smile. Finally, as the conversations ebbed around the tables, Gavin clinked his glass. “Before we start up more conversations,” he said with a chuckle. “I was told to hand over the floor.” He leaned back and handed Wyatt the knife he had used to tap his glass.
Letty gasped as Wyatt stood, setting down the knife to kneel in front of her.
He took her hand in his. “I don’t like speeches.”
“You’re lucky if you can get him to talk at all,” Maxim muttered.
Laughter eased the tension.
Wyatt took a deep breath. “Six months ago, you pulled me out of the fire.” He rubbed his thumb across her hand. “I thought I was keeping you safe. I’m the protector.”
She whispered. “You were.”
He shook his head. “No, we were keeping each other safe.” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her wrist. He took his other hand and stroked her cheek before he reached into his jacket pocket.
Murmurs erupted around the table as he pulled something into his hand and opened it to Letty.
The silver dollar glistened in the light. She lifted her eyebrows. “Your silver dollar?”
“The same one.” He turned it in his fingers once, then revealed the ring resting against it. Voices gasped or giggled at the magic trick. “You held the line when I couldn’t,” he mumbled. “Hold it with me.”
The restaurant fell completely silent.
The toddler gasped. “Ring!”
Letty laughed through tears.
“Yes,” she said immediately. “Yes.”
He slid the ring onto her finger.
It fit perfectly as he leaned up to kiss her, not to claim or show off, just sealing something steady.
Applause broke out as Tessa and Livvy hustled around the table. Wyatt stood and was pulled into the congratulatory hug of Banner Campbell.
“Well, man. I guess we’re going to be brothers in a different way, now.”
Maxim chuckled. “Hell, we should just make you an honorary Campbell.”
Wyatt’s forehead furrowed as Tessa pulled out the chain around her neck to hold up a ring.
Letty squealed. “Why didn’t you say something?”
