Ryker loops his arm around my neck, pressing his nose to my ear and rasps, “My badass fiancée.”
When he pulls back, he gives Jake a nod. “I’ll take you up on that overwatch.”
“Copy,” Jake replies. “Just don’t forget to close your windows at night. I am not there for the entertainment.”
Oh lord.
They roar in laughter, except Ryker. He’s smiling, but it’s not hitting all the angles of his face.
At the first chance, I tell the guys. “Can we continue this tomorrow. I’m a little beat and want his big guy to take me home.”
Like they’ve been shot out of pistols they’re on their feet and out of the room.
“Oh jeez.” I didn’t mean for them to take off like that.
“Thanks,” Ryker says, a rasp to his voice.
I blow out a breath, still unsteady about the news he just got. “Let’s go home.”
He stands and loops his fingers with mine, whistles for the dog. “June, come.”
Ryker
I buckle Jade into the passenger seat of my truck, get June settled in the back seat, and head out onto the road.
But I don’t go to the house. I’m too jacked, hands still unsteady. Unsaid things burning the back of my throat.
I wanted to wait.
I should wait. But today feels too important. A reminder that life will rear up and crush your plans in the blink of an eye.
Carpe Diem.
The sun is low on the horizon when I stop along the edge of the lake.
Jade’s quiet. Her hand cradled in mine as I reach across the steering wheel and put the truck in park, just so I don’t have to let go of her.
“It’s a beautiful evening,” she finally says.
“Want to walk?”
“Sure.”
I help her out of the truck. June falls into pace with us as we walk. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch a glimpse of Thane in one of the Agile Security trucks.
Colt’s somewhere in another one. I saw him a moment ago while I was driving.
Covering our six. Without me even asking.
We stop at the overlook and take in the reservoir below. Jade brushes her hair back, catching the pieces that the wind has carried across her face.
When I turn her to face me, she smiles. “Sorry, I was so caught up in the view.”
“So was I.”
She’s still smiling when I gather her hands in mine. But soon that’s replaced by confusion when I take a knee.
“Marry me, Jade.”
