Page 104 of Under the Radar

“My request is that you marry me, Hannah Gallagher. Give me that gift. Your love forever.”

He looked at me with so much love. Tenderness. I saw our life together reflected in his eyes. There was only one response I could give.

“Yes.”

He opened the box, and I stared at the pretty ring inside. It glittered under the lights, the center diamond flanked by smaller ones on each side. He slid it on my finger, his hand shaking as he did so. “Perfect fit,” he whispered, a tear sliding down his cheek. He lifted my hand to his mouth. “Mine. Forever.”

“It’s beautiful.”

He stood, touching my face. “So are you.”

Then his mouth was on mine, and everyone was clapping.

It was the best birthday ever.

And one, thanks to Chase, I would never forget.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Chase

After rounds of hugs, backslaps, and congratulations, I danced with my fiancée. She was lit up with happiness, only one arm around my neck, the other on my chest so she could see her ring.

“I love it,” she whispered.

“I’ve had it a while,” I admitted.

“You have?”

“Yeah. I bought it after the first night I held you. I knew you were it for me.”

“Chase…” she breathed out.

“I asked your mom for permission a couple of weeks ago. That day I told you I went to Toronto for parts, I actually went to see your mom. I took her to lunch and asked her blessing and told her I was having this party for you.”

“She never let on.”

“I know. We work well together.”

The door to the bar opening and a voice calling out startled us, and I turned, meeting the amused gaze of Brett. He was grinning widely. “Someone told me there was a party going on!” he yelled. “Celebrations were happening!”

A moment later, I was engulfed in a bear hug, and Hannah was lifted off her feet and twirled. Kelly watched, amused, giving me a far less hard hug. “Congratulations, Chase.”

“What are you doing here?” I asked. “You’re not due back for a couple of weeks.”

“And miss my boy getting engaged? When you called and told me you were asking Hannah tonight, I knew I had to come.”

I clapped his shoulder. “Thanks, Brett.”

He chuckled. “I was there when you fell in love with Occifer Cinnamon, remember? Your dream girl?” He pointed to the back. “Right out there. Inebriated or not, you were smitten.”

I glanced at Hannah and winked. “Still am.”

Hannah slipped her arm around me. “Inebriated or smitten?”

I kissed the end of her nose. “Drunk on love. Your love.”

She beamed. “Good answer.”