Page 118 of Death Wish

“I don’t want anyone I love or care about to die because of me, especially you.”

“All the more reason to stop this from getting out of hand now. Trust me, sweetheart.”

“I do, more than anyone I’ve ever known.”

“Then know that I have your best interests at heart. I will never let White have you or allow him to take you away from me.” He set his napkin to the side of his empty plate. “Are you ready to tour the atrium?” When Simone nodded, Jesse came around the table to offer his hand.

As they walked the lush gardens and walkways winding throughout the atrium, Simone paused frequently to examine plants and flowers and came to a stop to admire the waterfall. “This is so beautiful,” she murmured. “I could sit here and watch the waterfall for hours.”

“Anytime you want to come back, tell me. I love this place, too.” He wrapped his arms around Simone. Time to go forward with the plan. She loved him. She’d say yes. Wouldn’t she? “I love you, Simone.”

She lifted her face toward his and stood on her tiptoes to kiss him. “I love you, too, Jesse. I’m so blessed to have you in my life.”

He took a deep breath. “I’m glad to hear you say that.” Jesse released her and knelt in front of the woman he loved with every cell in his body. He pulled out the platinum solitaire ring that had been burning a hole in his pocket all day. “I promise to cherish you above all others. I’ll protect you with my body and love you until I draw my last breath on this earth. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife, Simone Kent?”

Tears slipped down Simone’s cheeks but her smile said it all. “Absolutely yes.”

Thank God. Jesse slid the ring on her finger and stood to share a blistering kiss with the woman of his dreams. Dimly, he was aware of applause nearby. When he finally broke the kiss and looked over his shoulder, his teammates and their spouses were on a nearby trail, beaming at them.

Stunned, he said, “What are you doing here?”

“We couldn’t let you do this without our support,” his team leader said. Brody clapped him on the shoulder. “Congratulations, my friend. You, too, Simone.”

“Welcome to the family, Simone,” Sage, his wife, said.

The rest of Texas Team shook his hand and hugged Simone as did their wives. Sawyer was the last in line to congratulate them. “Good job, Jesse. Happy for you, man. Welcome to the Texas Team, Simone. So, when’s the big day?”

“In June,” Jesse said. “You’ll be the first to know the date.”

Max, one of his other teammates, said, “Time to celebrate a new team member. Who’s up for ice cream floats? I know a place near here that serves the best milkshakes in town.” He named the nearby ice cream shop, and the group left the atrium to reassemble at the shop for dessert.

Laughter and teasing from his teammates and their spouses filled the next hour. Jesse enjoyed every minute. These men were the reason he loved his job. Friends who were more like family than his own biological family.

After a final round of congratulations and best wishes from their friends, the couples parted ways and Jesse drove Simone back to her home.

“That was so much fun. How did you get your teammates and their families to be at the atrium at the right time?”

He chuckled. “I didn’t plan for them to be there.”

“Don’t get me wrong. I’m glad they came but why did they show up?”

“I was nervous about tonight, and they knew it. I might have asked for their advice about how to propose to you.”

“You had to know I’d say yes. I love you, Jesse. Why would I turn down a marriage proposal from the man I adore?”

“You saw up close and personal how dangerous our missions can be while we were in Mexico. You might have changed your mind about spending your life with me during the past two weeks.”

“Being with you makes me so happy I can hardly contain my joy.”

“I’ll do my best to make sure you stay that way.”

“You don’t have to do anything, love. All I need is you.” She leaned over the center console and kissed him for long minutes. When she drew back, her eyes were sparkling. “I have nothing so fine to offer you as this gorgeous ring but I have the makings of a great cup of coffee. Care to join me for a while?”

“I’d love to.” He didn’t want to leave her anymore. Bad timing, though. Their wedding was at least six months out. Patience and discipline were the name of the game until his wedding ring was on her finger. She’d be worth the wait.

He exited the SUV and came around to help Simone from the vehicle. With his arm around her, Jesse walked to the door with his girl, unlocked it, and turned off the alarm.

Goose yapped in excitement in the kitchen.

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