Page 147 of SEAL's Resolve

Two hours later, he strode into the S & R building and smiled at the sound of Kristi’s and Deke’s laughter and Oliver’s barks.

Kristi saw Rafe and grinned. “Come see the trick Oliver learned this week.”

He stopped by her side and brushed his mouth over hers. “Show me.”

“Oliver, sit.”

The dog plopped down, tail wagging.

“Shake.”

One paw came up.

Rafe chuckled as he bent and shook Oliver’s paw. “Good boy.”

“He can do two more tricks, too, but we’ll show you those later. Did you finish your errand?”

He nodded, glancing at Deke. “Do you need to work longer with Kristi?”

“Nope. She’s a fast learner. Oliver would enjoy a walk, though. He worked hard while you were gone.”

Rafe held up Oliver’s new leash clutched in his hand. “Thanks, Deke.”

“No problem. I’ll be here for another two hours if you think of questions you want to ask.”

“We’ll check in with you before we go to Rio’s for the night.”

“Good enough.”

Rafe attached the leash to Oliver’s collar. “Come on, Oliver. Let’s go for a walk with Kristi.”

Oliver barked and trotted beside them toward the door.

“Did you enjoy yourself?” Rafe asked.

“I had the best time. Oliver is as wonderful as I remembered.” She summarized the information and techniques Deke had taught her. “Oliver is smart, Rafe. Dad’s going to love him.”

He guided her toward a bench on the walking trail. When they sat, Oliver stretched out on the ground in a patch of sunlight. The dog heaved a big sigh.

Rafe took Kristi’s hand in his. She’d already promised to tell him yes when he proposed. He was still uneasy. What if she’d changed her mind? “I love you, Kristi. You’re a miracle to me. I never thought I’d fall in love again, but you captured my heart. Your generosity, kindness, and compassion amaze me. I admire your talent. You make me whole just by being in your presence, and I want to be a better man because of you.”

“Rafe,” she whispered, tears gathering in her eyes. “I love you so much.”

He pulled the diamond solitaire from his pocket. “Enough to marry me?”

She gasped. “Oh, Rafe. The ring is gorgeous.”

“Baby, the ring pales in comparison to you. Will you marry me?”

Kristi leaned in and kissed him. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”

“Soon?” he persisted.

She laughed. “Soon. Lucky for you, I already have my wedding dress made.”

He stilled. “You do?”

“My wedding dress was the first dress I made when I opened Kristi’s Bridal. I hoped to wear that dress when I married the perfect man for me. You’re that man, Rafe. I can’t wait to be your wife.”

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