Page 113 of Night Watch
He raced back to the family room and got down on his knee.
She gasped. “Are you—?”
“Proposing?” He held out the ring box. “I know this is sudden, but I have never stopped loving you. I know we’ve just gotten back together, but you are the love of my life. Will you marry me, Kennedy?”
“Marry you?” She fanned her face and gaped at him.
He could hardly stand to wait for her answer, but he wouldn’t pressure her. He did wiggle the ring just a bit for encouragement, and then he spotted the tears glistening in her eyes, and his heart dropped. Was she going to say no?
“Yes!” The word burst from her mouth. “Yes. Of course.”
Her eyes glinted with joy and a wide smile crossed her face. A smile he couldn’t wait to kiss away. He slid the ring on her finger. She held it up to the light, and the solitaire diamond sparkled, casting tiny prisms of light around the room.
She looked at him. “It’s the one I picked out in college.”
He nodded. “I never got that car I was saving for.”
“I know how much you wanted the vintage Mustang. Makes this even more special.” She drew him to his feet and threw her arms around his neck. “I love you too. So much. I’m so happy.”
He twirled her around, and she giggled like a little girl, the sound cutting to his heart and lifting his joy to new heights.
A knock pounded on the door.
Erik groaned and drew back. “Drake is picking me up, but he’s early.”
He took Kennedy’s hand and looked at the ring. “We might want to make this announcement after the wedding celebration so Clay and Toni can have their own special day.”
“Then let’s put the ring in the box, and you can give it back to me again after the wedding.”
A flash of uncertainty lit in his gut. “You’ll still say yes, right?”
“Of course.”
“Come on, bro.” Drake pounded on the door.
She slipped the ring off and gave it one last longing look before settling it in the blue velvet.
“Be right back.” Erik pocketed the box and jogged to the door, his step so light he thought he must be floating. He opened the door. “Sorry. Was talking to Kennedy.”
“Kennedy?” Drake’s eyebrows went up. “What’s she doing here?”
“She’s not going into WITSEC, but will be working for Veritas.”
“No wonder you’re beaming.” Drake pushed past him and strode up to Kennedy. “Congrats on the job. You’ll love working and living in Portland again.”
Kennedy nodded, her gaze locked on Erik, and he could hardly breathe for the love beaming his way.
Drake turned and locked Erik in a headlock. “And this guy’s going to be sickeningly happy.”
Erik laughed. “You mean like you?”
“Yeah. Just like that.” Drake let go and chuckled as he looked at Kennedy. “Since you’re all dressed up, I’m guessing you’re coming to the wedding?”
“Sierra invited me and arranged for the dress, but I don’t want to crash.”
Erik took her hand. “I know when I tell Toni about you, she’ll want you there.”
“And if she doesn’t, our mom will make sure you’re wanted.” Drake laughed again. “So let’s get a move on. Don’t want to stress Clay out any more than he is now.”
