Page 135 of Mine to Take

“Hi.” My gaze touches upon each of them. “What are you all doing here?”

It’s tempting to tack on during the middle of a school day.

The four of them step farther inside the classroom.

“I thought it was important that your family be here,” Maverick says.

My brows draw together. “For what?”

When he’s standing directly in front of me, he drops to one knee.

It takes a moment to process what’s happening. My eyes widen as my hands fly to my mouth. When I’m finally able to force out my voice, it sounds like it’s being choked from my body. “Maverick?”

“Yeah, sunshine?”

“What are you doing?”

“Asking the love of my life to marry me. After being away from you for five days, it only reinforced that you’re it for me. The beginning and end of my world. I want us to take that next step together. The one that leads to the rest of our lives. What do you say, Willow? Will you make me the happiest man in the world and become my wife?”

Tears flood my eyes as I nod. “Of course I will. I love you, Maverick. More than anything.”

River clears his throat. “Ummm… Weren’t you supposed to ask that question with a nice piece of bling? You know, something to sweeten the deal for having to look at your ugly mug for the next fifty years?”

“Well, hell. He’s right.” Maverick winces. “I was so nervous, I forgot to show you the ring.”

All the kids make ohhhing sounds.

“That’s a bad word, Mr. McKinnon.”

“Yeah, Ms. Thompson doesn’t allow us to say that.”

Another girl pipes up, “Ethan said it in the library last week and Ms. Thompson told him that she’d send him to the principal’s office if it happened again.”

Ethan uses his fingers to make a zipping motion across his lips.

“It sounds like your teacher is a real stickler,” Maverick says with a smirk.

Heat floods my cheeks when the kids all nod in agreement.

“However, Ms. Thompson is right about that. And she can deal with my punishment once we get home.”

He gives me a little wink before slipping his hand into the front pocket of his jeans and pulling out a light-blue box. My heart spasms when he pops open the lid.

That’s all it takes for another gasp to slip free as I catch my first glimpse of the ring nestled on the cushy pillow inside.

The piece of jewelry is so stunning, it robs the air from my lungs.

The band is platinum with a sparkling diamond set between two equally dazzling sapphires that are polished to a high shine.

A heavy silence falls over the classroom.

Even the children hold their conversation as the scene plays out in front of them.

Maverick has no idea the miracle he’s been able to accomplish.

But I can’t focus on that right now.

The only thing that fills my vision is Maverick staring up at me from his bent knee.

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