Page 65 of Quiet Chaos

After the hike, we drive to the Arches National Park to wander around the sandstone arches. Sky uses her hand as a visor and looks at the place as if in panoramic view. We follow one of the hiking trails, walking under arches, and kicking stones out of the way. At one arch, Sky takes pictures with her phone, and when I’m in profile, she snaps one of me.

She skips to me. “Look at this handsome man.” She shows me the picture. “I’m his queen.”

My chuckle echoes under the arch. “There’s no doubt you’re my queen.”

I kiss the top of her head, take her hand, and we return to the car. The most important part of the day is the proposal, which will happen five hours from now. I setup a massage for Sky and a salt bath, so I can prepare the room ready. For extra money, the restaurant agreed to bring dinner to the room.

I buy roses and candles, sprinkling the petals on the floor, bed, and around the hot tub. Then I place the candles in the washroom and bedroom, leaving some for the balcony. One of the staff members calls to let me know my queen is on her way, so I light the candles.

Outside the room, I wait for Sky holding roses in my hand. When she sees me, she takes tentative steps toward me.

“Cade, what’s this?”

I give a one-shoulder shrug. “Roses.”

She takes them, inhales, and then whispers, “I love them. Thank you.”

I open the door as Sky takes hesitant footsteps, head tilting to the side, mouth ajar as she peeks in the washroom and the balcony.

Sky turns to me. “What’s all of this for?”

“Can’t I have a nice dinner with my queen?”

Her fingers press against her lips, eyes blinking to keep the tears away, and she stands in the middle of the room, not knowing what to do.

My hand is on the small of her back. I guide her to the balcony table, topped with covered entrees. Sky sits down and I remove the covers before taking my seat.

“This is amazing! I love baked chicken.” She places her hand over mine. “Cade, this is so sweet of you. I’m in awe.” Shegestures for me to come closer and kisses me. “I don’t deserve you.”

She deserves a helluva lot better man than me, but the selfish bastard I am refuses to let her go.

Sky takes small bites, moaning from the taste, and then winking at me. Fuck, I love this woman.

She finishes her food, sits back, and pats her stomach. “I’m stuffed. Great meal!”

Sky picks up her glass of lemon water, holds it up and proclaims, “To Cade, my hero, my Gabriel, you’re the kindest man I know. I’m lucky to have been dumped at the gas station.”

Here goes nothing. I scoot closer to Sky, take her hands in mine, and say, “To my queen, my Pious Princess, my love, since I’ve met you, it hasn’t been dull, and I’m not the same man. You’re a breathtaking, kind, sweet woman who does for others without wishing for anything in return.”

She’s about to say something, but I hold up my hand. “Sky, I’m so glad your boyfriend dumped you.” She giggles. “I’m glad you found a home with Armstrong and me. That you’ve accepted my family, brothers, and club. Thank you for having a big heart, especially for someone like me, who doesn’t have one.”

Again, she tries to talk. I press my finger to her lips. “If my mom and dad were here, they would have loved you about as much as I do.” I choke up so I clear my throat before continuing, “Because of you, I’ve learned to open up. Your humor reminds me of my mom.”

She rubs the back of one of my hands against her wet cheeks.

“I can’t think of anyone better than to spend my life with.” She stops and turns her head in shock. “Sky, will you marry me?”

The silence stretches. Her eyes fix on me and tears drip onto her lap. Sky grips my hands tighter.

“Love, I need to get the ring.”

Her hand loosens, and I remove the ring from my pocket.

I slip it on her finger and ask again. “Sky, marry me?”

She launches into my arms like a wind burst, knocking over the dishes. Sky covers my face with her breasts while she squeezes her arms around my head, kissing me all over.

I laugh and ask, “Is that a yes?”

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