Page 141 of Redemption

My legs were shaking, and I tried to push him away, laughing as I did so. “I can’t take any more.”

He chuckled and licked me once more before standing. “Come on.” He easily scooped me up, cradling me to him. “Let’s get cleaned up.”

I rested my head against his chest, content to listen to the cadence of his heart. When we reached the bathroom, Jackson set me down and turned on the water. As soon as it was warm, he climbed in the shower and held out his hand, waiting for me.

I slid my hand into his, filled with a sense of rightness. Of peace and contentedness. Jackson joined me beneath the water, wrapping his arms around me, holding me close.

We just stood there, my head against his chest, his body curled protectively around mine. It was…bliss. This was all I’d ever wanted.

CHAPTER THIRTY

“Mm.” I stretched, reaching out for Jackson, but when I opened my eyes, the bed was empty.

It was Saturday, and I couldn’t believe we’d already been in LA a week. Jasper had gone back to London to oversee operations there until I was ready to return. I’d told him it wasn’t necessary, but he’d said he was happy to go.

Jackson and I were supposed to go out on Knox’s yacht with everyone this afternoon. I wished Jasper would be here for it, but I was looking forward to seeing Jude and his girlfriend Chrissy and spending more time with my family.

Between meeting with the board, catching up on what I’d missed while we’d been sailing the Caribbean, and getting Jackson up to speed as our new chief of security, my days had been busy but full. My nights had been spent in bed with Jackson. And I loved waking up with him every morning. Getting ready for work together and knowing I’d get to see him at the end of the day.

He seemed to get along well with my brothers, even Graham. And he was loving his new role. I knew Jackson would miss his coworkers from Hudson, but he didn’t seem to regret his decision, which was a relief.

Part of me had worried how we’d adapt to living and working together. And while I knew there might still be an adjustment period when we actually went back to London next week, I wasn’t concerned. If anything, I was excited to share all my favorite places with him. To get to show him one of my favorite cities—or stay home doing nothing at all.

Jackson entered the room a moment later with a breakfast tray and a smile. He was shirtless, and his gray sweatpants hung low on his waist. It was distracting, to say the least. I scanned his chest, my eyes lingering on the sextant tattoo where my initials were hidden.

He smirked, setting the tray on the bed. “Hungry?”

“Definitely.” I sat up, letting the sheet fall to my waist.

His eyes darkened, and my nipples hardened beneath his eager gaze.

“Thanks for bringing me breakfast in bed. I feel so spoiled.”

He leaned in, capturing my lips for a lingering kiss. “Good.”

I lifted the silver dome to reveal the plate, but the only thing on it was a small box covered in royal blue suede. “This doesn’t look like breakfast,” I joked. But then it hit me. Wait. Was it… Was he…

He’d talked about proposing nearly a week ago. And with everything that had happened since, I’d pushed the idea from my mind.

“It’s not breakfast,” he said, seeming nervous for the first time. “But hopefully it’s something better.” He took my hand in his. “I love you, Sloan. You’ve always seen me and loved me for who I am. You are my home. My everything. And I can’t wait to spend our lives together. Marry me.”

“Yes,” I said without hesitation, wiping away a tear. “Yes, Jackson.” I smiled.

He opened the box, and I gasped. My grandmother’s engagement ring was nestled inside—a vintage Tiffany setting that I’d always loved for its simplicity and sentimentality. My grandparents had been partners in every sense of the word. Their love had endured the loss of their children. The challenges of starting and growing an international business. The raising of their grandchildren. And so much more.

“Where did you get that?” I whispered. I hadn’t seen her ring in years.

His expression was solemn when he met my gaze. “Graham gave it to me.”

My eyes bulged. “Graham…”

Jackson caressed the back of my hand with his thumb. “He’d been saving it for you. For when you found the right man.”

I swiped away tears. I couldn’t believe it. Jackson slid the ring on my finger, and it was a perfect fit.

“I was going to buy you an engagement ring…” He smiled down at my hand. “But I knew this would mean more to you.”

“You’re right. And thank you.” I pushed the tray aside and wrapped my arms around him. “I love you so much, Jackson. You are my protector and my home. And I cannot wait to be your wife.”

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