Page 51 of Hawkeye

Calder reached over the wood and came up with a brown paper bag. Suddenly, all eyes were on us, and everyone was quiet.

Mom looked from the bag to me. “What’s happening?”

“Just wait,” Dot whispered. “This is going to be so good.”

Calder turned me, wrapped his hand around my wrist, and tugged me close. “I love you, baby doll.”

A chorus of awws went up from the women, but I barely heard them.

“I love you too.” Sniffling, my voice warbled at the end. “So much.”

“So fucking lucky,” he murmured before capturing my mouth in a deep kiss.

His tongue tangled with mine, and I twined my arms around his neck, not even a little bit worried that we had an audience. Or that my mother was one of the people watching. This moment was all about Calder and me, giving voice to our feelings for each other.

When he lifted his head, I was breathless. So it took me a moment to realize what he was holding out when he pulled the vest out of the bag. It was a smaller version of what he wore every day. Black leather with his road name on it. Property of Hawkeye.

I pressed trembling fingers to my lips. “Is that…?”

“My property patch,” he confirmed. “Be my old lady.”

My answer was easy. “Yes.”

He put it on me, settled the leather over the red dress, and ran his hands down the front. Then he stepped back with a gleam of satisfaction in his green eyes. “Mine.”

“Oh my gosh,” Mom shrieked, reaching us first.

She wrapped me in a big hug, then everyone else closed in to offer their congratulations.

Tamsin beamed a smile at me. “So glad you’re joining our ranks.”

“You already fit right in,” Bex agreed.

“Another one bites the dust.” Mara rubbed her hands together. “Can’t wait to see who’s next.”

My mom tapped my left hand. “And I can’t wait to see a ring here.”

“Mom,” I sighed, darting a look at Calder so he wouldn’t feel pressured to take that step. But the look on his handsome face was more anticipation than concern.

When he kissed my cheek and stepped away from the bar, I assumed it was because he was focused on what he needed to do next. That he was leaving.

Then Calder came back with a small box in his hand and flipped it open.

The ring was an old mine-cut diamond in warm yellow gold, the stone held by a low, carved setting that looked as if many happy wives had worn it. An antique that I would’ve fallen in love with even if he wasn’t the one holding it.

Mom gasped, but I couldn’t tear my gaze away from the ring to look at her. Tears went down my face, blurring my vision.

“You’re going to be my wife.”

I let out a wet laugh. “That isn’t a question.”

“Because there isn’t another option.” He took my left hand and slid the ring on, his thumb brushing the skin above it.

“I’ll say it anyway.” I gave him a watery smile. “Yes.”

The room broke into cheers again. Mom grabbed my hand to look. Tamsin made a sound that was half laugh. Jacqueline leaned into Stryker.

Calder kissed me once more, shorter this time, then looked at Stryker. “Now I’m ready to go.”