Page 62 of The Sergeant's Protection
He spins her around the dance floor and she lets go of an infectious laugh as he pulls her back in then dips her back. The song changes to a slower one. One I’ve heard more of recently. Justin prefers country over everything else and this song in particular is one he really likes.
Justin’s smooth, deep voice fills my ear. “Can I have this dance?”
Smiling, I place my hand in his as he leads us to the dance floor. His mother and father are slow dancing a few feet away. As well as Reid and Cassidy. I give her a small smile and she waves.
We sway to the beat as he murmurs the lyrics in my ear, sending goose bumps to dance across my skin. Then his mouth is at my neck, my curtain of hair shielding him from view. He kisses me there, holding me close to his body.
Safe.
Protected.
Then his mouth is at my lips once more.
“Marry me.”
Tears spring to my eyes, a thick knot forming in my throat.
“I want this dance for the rest of my life. Today, tomorrow, every day after. I want forever with you.”
There’s no hesitation. No thought. Only my mouth to his in a silent vow of love and devotion.
Wrapping my arms around him, I deepen the kiss and he reciprocates, flooding my body with warmth and desire and every unnameable emotion known to man.
All of a sudden there are boisterous whistles and clapping and I realize we have become the center of attention. I look around and sure enough, all eyes are on us, and I realize they are all watching with anticipation.
“Is that a yes?” he asks.
I remain silent because I can’t believe this is really happening. He reaches into his pocket, bending down on one knee.
My heart feels like it’s about to explode in my chest.
Holding the ring between his forefinger and thumb, he presents it to me, his loving eyes gazing back up at mine. My hand moves to cover my mouth, the beauty of the moment almost too much to consume at once. But Justin pulls it away before I have the chance to stifle the happiness pouring out of me. He kisses the back of each hand then releases my right one to take my left.
The rough calluses of his fingers caress mine. “Selena Marie Allen, will you do me the extreme honor and pleasure of becoming my wife?”
I nod, unable to speak.
He slides the ring onto my finger, his eyes wet with tears as he stands up and takes me in his arms. Everyone erupts in applause and cheers.
“I love you,” he whispers softly.
“I love you, too,” I whisper back, burying my face in the crook of his neck, inhaling the taste of freedom, love, and a life filled with more happiness than I ever thought possible.
The End
