She shrugged. “Cute. Quaint. What is it, like three bedrooms?” She studied the house for a few moments in silence.
“Are you assessing the fire risk?” Dhillon chuckled.
She was unabashed. “Just practicing.”
“Got an exit plan?”
“Well, I’d have to see the inside floor plan, but since you mention it...” And she was off. He listened attentively.
He remained silent when she stopped talking. She looked at him. “What?”
She looked from the house to him and back, a slow smile creeping over her face. “You bought it?” Her whole face broke out into a smile, and he couldn’t help but join her.
He shook his head. “No. Not yet.”
“But you’re going to? You’re moving out.” She raised her eyebrows, confirming she was right. “Of the townhome.”
He nodded. “About time, don’t you think?”
“Hell, yes,” she giggled. “Your sister is going to be sooo happy. Though this house may not be far enough away.”
“She’s pretty thrilled. I think she’s already packing my stuff. If I wasn’t so secure, it might actually hurt my feelings.” Dhillon laughed.
“You’ll get over it.” Riya bumped his shoulder again. “So what’s the holdup? Why haven’t you purchased it yet?”
Dhillon started walking toward the door, avoiding the question. “Come on. Let’s look inside. It’s open.” His real-estate agent, Wendy, had allowed him to borrow the key.
He opened the door, Scout close behind. Riya started wandering the first floor, checking out the eat-in kitchen, small family room and foyer. Dhillon unleashed Scout and led Riya upstairs, showing her all the little details he’d memorized when he’d walked through the first time. They finally ended up in the back, on the deck. They leaned on the railing, shoulder to shoulder. The sun was high, with nothing but green grass and trees to be seen. Below the deck was a small, fenced-in yard. Serenity.
“It’s gorgeous.” Riya’s voice was low, as if being too loud might disturb the peace. “Plenty of space for Scout. And for Zeus, when your mom brings Dr. Shah’s dog over.”
“Sure.” He kept staring out at the sky and the meticulously kept grass. Then he turned to face her. He thought he’d be nervous at this moment, but he was nothing but calm. “I haven’t purchased it yet because I wanted to see if you liked it.”
“It’s gorgeous, Dhillon. If not well overdue.”
“Could you see yourself living here? With me?”
She narrowed her eyes, confused. “You mean, like a roommate?”
“No.” He laughed. “Not like a roommate.” Even looking at her was an experience. Every feature, every expression—he was sure that even after a lifetime, she’d still be able to surprise him. “The truth is, Riya, that I do love you, and I have loved you as long as I can remember.”
“You said you wished—”
“I didn’t mean that. I was wrong to say it. I’m sorry. Forgive me?”
Riya looked up at him, eyes wide, and nodded.
“You do not hide from the world. Actually, you’re the one who gets me to take risks, and you’re the one who sees the possibility in everything. You’re a firefighter, and I know that is who you are. I love who you are. You’re a hero. And not just because you pulled me from that fire.” He stepped closer to her, resting his hand on her cheek, and lowered his voice. “Though, that is so completely hot on so many levels.”
She bit her bottom lip and smirked up at him.
“What I’m trying to say is I do want to be the guy who sends you off to save the world.” He cleared his throat so there was no mistaking his next words. “But more than anything, I want to be the man you come back home to. You’re everyone else’s hero. Let me be yours.”
He paused and reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring. “I’m asking you to live here with me as my wife. Marry me, Firefighter Riya-D.”
forty-four
RIYA
