Page 96 of Under Fire

“I know.”

“But we don’t know if the target on my back will be removed by then.”

“All the more reason to marry now. I’ll be able to protect you better if I’m beside you, day and night.”

“What if you’re deployed with Bravo?”

“If we’re called in, I’ll take a leave of absence until this is resolved. I won’t be able to concentrate if I’m not positive you’re safe. I’ll be distracted, making me a liability on a mission.”

“Your teammates need you. We’ll think of some way to keep me protected if you’re sent on a mission before this is resolved.”

“You didn’t answer my question.” Matt’s hands tightened on her upper arms. “Will you marry me when we return to Otter Creek?”

“As soon as you want.”

He held her tight. “Thank you, baby. I swear you won’t regret this. I’ll do everything in my power to make you happy.”

“We’ll make each other happy. This isn’t a one-way street. We’re creating a life together. Your happiness matters as much to me as mine does to you.”

Matt hugged her tighter. How could he have been so blessed to have this amazing woman agree to be a permanent part of his life, a partner, a lover, a wife, maybe one day a mother to his children? He longed to discuss a family with the woman of his dreams, but Russell would only be patient for so long. They needed to get going or the detective would cut Delilah’s stepfather loose. “We need to go.”

Delilah stood. “All I want to do is throw off responsibility for a while and spend every free minute with you.”

Matt squeezed her hand as they retraced their steps. “We’ll get there. Tonight, we celebrate our engagement with our friends, no matter what happens with the rest of your family.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

“After we drop off Randy, would you like to pick out a ring?”

“You don’t want to wait until we return to Otter Creek?”

“I want everyone to know you belong to me. The sooner, the better.”

She stopped in the middle of the path to face him. “You can’t be worried about another man stealing me away.”

“You don’t see yourself the way men do, Delilah. You’re gorgeous, successful, and kind. You care about people. That’s quite a draw. You bet I want to warn off the competition.”

“There is no one but you and hasn’t been since you arrived in Otter Creek.”

“Good to know. I still want the outward symbol on your finger. I want everyone to know how much I adore you.”

“How can I argue with that logic?”

“You can’t.” He urged her toward the SUV. “Is there a jewelry store you like in Harmony?”

“I used to window shop at O’Shea’s Jewelry. They had the most amazing jewelry.” Her cheeks flushed. “They were kind to me. It was obvious I couldn’t afford to buy anything, yet the shop workers let me try on anything that caught my eye and answered every question. Believe me, I had a million of them.”

“We’ll go to O’Shea’s, then.”

By the time they walked into the police station and were admitted to the bullpen, Russell was pacing beside his desk. He scowled at them. “I expected you thirty minutes ago. Where have you been?”

“Unavoidably detained.” Matt studied the detective’s expression and body language. “What happened?”

“Harrison Norris is bending the ear of the police chief as we speak. It seems his son, Sebastian, whined to his old man about Ms. Frost and her thug boyfriend. You’ll be lucky if I don’t have to bring you up on charges.”

Matt snorted. “For what? There’s not a bruise on him.” Too bad, that. He wanted to leave the slimy creep with painful reminders that Delilah was no longer alone and helpless.

The detective looked skeptical. “You expect me to believe that?”

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