Page 117 of Shadow Redemption

“Marcus, it’s Ben.” When he heard laughter and the clink of glasses and silverware in the background, he winced. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt your holiday activities.”

“No problem, my friend. What do you need?”

“I’m on my way to Ruth’s. I want to ask her to marry me tonight, but I don’t want to pressure her if she’s not ready for this. I don’t want to hurt her.”

“Ruth is a strong woman. I don’t think you have anything to worry about. You can trust your gut and your heart, Ben.”

The operative gave a huff of laughter. “Great. My gut is tied in knots for fear that she’ll turn me down and my heart is racing faster than an Indy race car on a straightaway.”

The Otter Creek pastor chuckled. “You’ll be fine. Both of you have been through a trial by fire and come out the other side stronger than steel. I think you already know what her answer is going to be. You’ve been dating for six months and dancing around each other six months before that. Did you bring your wingman?”

“You better believe it. Say hello to Marcus, Yoda.”

The dog barked.

A laugh sounded in the SUV’s cabin. “If you have the ring and the dog, how can Ruth resist? Best of luck to you, Ben. Shoot me a text later tonight and let me know what she says.”

“Yes, sir. Thanks, Marcus. For everything.” For more than he could say. The pastor had spent numerous hours with him and Ruth, helping them come to terms with their pasts in order to move into this new phase of their lives.

“Both of you would have gotten there eventually. I just moved you along the path a little faster. Later, my friend.” The pastor ended the call.

A short time later, Ben parked in Ruth’s driveway. The white lights of her Christmas tree glowed in her living room window, a beacon in the night, drawing him to the woman of his dreams.

He glanced at Yoda. “I’m counting on you, buddy.”

The dog whined and wagged his tail.

Blowing out a breath, Ben slipped the ring from the box, and shoved it deep into his pocket. He exited the SUV and walked to the front door with Yoda. Before he rang the bell, the door flew open and there she was. Ruth Monihan stood in the open doorway, a vision of beauty in black pants and a bright red sweater. The best thing was her smile of welcome.

She brushed his mouth with hers, then bent to pet Yoda before stepping back. “Come on in. Trace and Bridget will be here in a few minutes. Bridget was finishing the last of the cookies she’s baking. They’re picking up Maren on the way here.” Ruth closed the door behind them.

At least he didn’t have to beg her to marry him in front of his teammate and her sister as well as his mother. If Lang was wrong and Ruth turned him down, Ben would have a chance to get himself together before the others arrived.

“Do you want some coffee? It’s fresh.”

“In a few minutes. I need to talk to you.”

Ruth looked puzzled. “Are you okay? You seem nervous.”

He wrapped his hand around hers and led her to sit on the couch beside him. “I have something to ask you, but I need to tell you some things before that.” Man, he was going to die before he got to the all-important question.

“You can tell me anything, Ben. I hope you know that.”

“I love you, Ruth. Even though I fell for you the first moment I saw you, I never thought I had a chance. I know I’m not good enough for you and never will be. You’re everything I’m not. You’re the light to my darkness, my strength when I’m weak, my heart and soul. Without you, I’m lost and have no purpose.”

“Oh, Ben,” she whispered, her eyes sheening with tears. “I love you so much.”

“I really hope you mean that, sunshine.” He shifted to kneel on one knee in front of her and slid his hand into his pocket for the ring that reminded him of her, one that symbolized his love and devotion. He lifted her hand and held up the ring for her to see. “I adore you, Ruth Monihan. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

“Yes!”

Thank God. He slid the ring on her finger and gathered her close for a heated kiss. The doorbell ringing and Yoda barking brought them up for air. “I’ll get it.”

She laughed. “Good. I don’t think my legs will hold me up at the moment.”

Ben staggered when he got to his feet, prompting more laughter from Ruth. He winked at her and opened the door to admit his mother, Trace, and Bridget.

Bridget took one look at her sister’s face and shoved her tray of cookies into her husband’s hands. She hurried to Ruth. “What happened? Are you okay?”

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