Page 220 of Falling for the Grumpiest Protector

He opens it. The ring catches the kitchen light. A diamond surrounded by deep-blue sapphires. Beautiful. My eyes burn before he says a word.

He looks at me.

"Madison Hart."

My heart stops.

"Will you marry me?"

For one second, all I can do is stare at him. This man. This impossible, stubborn, quiet man who once looked at me as if I were a problem he had no intention of solving. The man who taught my nephew to fish. Who brings vegetables to my mother. Who built a place where people can find their footing again. Who found his son. Who let me find him.

My vision blurs.

"Yes."

His expression changes. I laugh through the tears.

"Yes. I'll marry you, Javier."

The smile that breaks across his face nearly undoes me. He takes the ring from the box. His hands aren't quite steady. Neither are mine. He takes my left hand and slides the ring onto my finger.

It fits.

I stare at it.

"Do you like it?" He asks quietly.

My head snaps up.

"Do I like it? Are you insane?"

"Occasionally."

"I love it. It's beautiful."

I cup his face and kiss him. He holds me tighter. I don't know which one of us is crying more, and I don't care.

When we finally separate, our foreheads rest together. I'm still smiling. So is he.

"I'm going to marry you," I whisper.

His smile deepens. "Any regrets?" he asks.

"Ask me after opening night."

I laugh. His mouth brushes mine.

"No taking it back now, Hart."

"Wasn't planning to."

"I love you, Madison."

"I love you, Javier."

A knock sounds from the doorway.

"I knew I'd find you two lovebirds in the kitchen."