Page 105 of Wicked Truths

Dad walks over to the couch and sits in the seat next to me. “So, my sources say you and Rhett are officially back together.”

“Who are your sources? The nurses at the hospital?”

“I’ve got eyes and ears everywhere, but don’t worry, they will protect you and keep secrets.”

So, Joey opened his big mouth because I know him and Rhett love to gossip.

“Dad, what do you think of Rhett? Honest opinions only.”

Dad looks at me with concern in his eyes.

“Dad, it’s just something that’s been on my mind for a while.”

Especially since the conversation with Jax while we were in AJ’s car heading to the Rossi estate.

Would Dad prefer me to settle down with an Italian man, even if it was with a rival family?

Dad clears his throat. “I think Rhett is a great man.”

I raise my eyebrow. “A great man, really?”

“Sure, he might do things that are morally gray and occasionally break the law.”

Like kill my ex-boyfriend because he turned out to be part of the rival family and then avoid telling me about it for almost a week.

The only reason Rhett told me he shot Jax was because I mentioned sending a condolence card to Giuseppe for the sudden death.

Dad continues, oblivious to my inner monologue. “But he’s a hard worker and a great hockey player. He’s also very loyal to the family and our businesses. And he loves you unconditionally and would die for you.”

My heart swells with love. Rhett really would die for me. He’s everything Dad has just said and then more.

He’s a great listener, a great friend and confidant, and a great lover, but I’d never say that last one out loud. At least not in front of Dad and Joey.

“Would you accept him as a son-in-law? Even though he’s not one of us? An Italian? I mean, if he were to ever propose, that is.”

Dad gently pats me on my shoulder. “Him not being Italian doesn’t matter to me. I’ve already accepted him as one of us. Years ago, actually. I was just waiting for you to be sure he’s the one you want to be with.”

I can’t stop the grin from forming on my face. “Heis. I’m a hundred percent sure Rhett is the man I want to spend the rest of my life with.”

“Joey and I are happy for you and Rhett. As long as you two treat each other with love and respect and put one hundred percent effort into your marriage, you will be fine.”

“The Sharks need to win the game, so I can tell Rhett how ready I am to become Mrs. Montgomery.”

“He already knows.” Rhett says from behind me.

Spinning around in my seat, I see Rhett beside the couch on his knee in his uniform with a ring box in his hand.

My mouth falls open at the surprise visit from him.

“Francesca Louise Marino, I love you more today than I did yesterday. More than I did two years ago when I was ready to make you mine. More than I did when you woke up in the hospital whispering my name. Will you make me that happiest man alive and marry me?”

With tears streaming down my face, I nod. “Yes. A million times, yes.”

I rush as quickly as I can while being in a cast off the couch and over to him and wrap my arms around his neck.

His kiss is short and chaste as he slips the diamond ring on my finger, but I need him. Fire is burning deep in my core, begging him to take me home.

He leans his head down and whispers in my ear, “I promise we will continue this after I win the game, and every day until the day I die.”

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