Page 103 of Singled Out

That was all I needed to hear. I stood and wrapped my arms around her, ring box still in my hand, and lifted her off the ground. I’d never felt so overcome with emotions. I funneled all of them—joy, relief, love, devotion, hope—into a kiss, setting her down so I could cradle her head and get serious about it.

I poured all of it into her, and she gave me everything in return. When she broke contact, she lovingly ran her palms over my cheeks as she gazed into my eyes.

“You’re the forever I didn’t know I was ready for. You and Danny are everything to me, Max. I love you to the end of time and then some.” She laughed, sheer elation bubbling out of her. “And that ring! Stop teasing, Max.”

Hell, I’d forgotten to slide the ring on because I was so swept away by this woman that I couldn’t wait to get my lips on hers. I brought the box between us, plucked the ring out of its cushion, took her left hand, and with my hands still shaking, slid it onto her ring finger.

“It’s stunning, Max,” she said in a breathy voice.

“I hope you like it. You needed something with color. If you’d prefer something besides rubies, we can change them.”

“It’s perfect. I love it. I love you. I can’t wait to marry you.”

“We should celebrate,” I said with a glance at the table, “before the food gets cold. We can join your friends afterward if you want.”

She shook her head. “Surf and turf, champagne, then you naked. That’s how I want to celebrate. All night long.”

“I’m yours, Harper. All night long, every night, forever.”