Page 103 of Surge

“Sorry I didn’t talk to you about the self-defense thing. I . . . I want our lives to align. And while I was on that South America contract, I was praying about what was next for me, for us.”

Oh, that made her heart swoon.

“Then last week, when Heath and I were talking, the self-defense training thing happened, and I realized it made a way for me to stay, to provide . . . and I got to thinking about us.”

“Go on,” she said, hooking her arm around his neck. “I’m liking this natural progression.”

“I know with your dad here, you want to stay.”

She smiled. “He really likes you, especially since you helped me get that leg for him.”

“Seems I’m winning on all counts.” Garrett stepped forward, pulled her into a bear hug, a hug she didn’t want to ever step away from.

She laced her hands behind his neck. “So it would appear.”

He eased back a fraction and looked into her eyes, then lowered his mouth to hers. His kiss was warm and gentle. Strong.

She loved his kiss. Wanted more.

“Put a ring on her finger, Walker!” came a barked laugh.

Garrett glanced over his shoulder as Crew and Heath laughed all the way to a big black dualie. He shook his head, but then looked at her, something deep in his brown eyes. “What do you think?”

Confusion skidded through her. “About?”

“Me, marriage.”

She drew in a quick breath. “I . . .” Holy wow, was this really happening? “I think it’s a sound tactical plan.”

As they pulled out of the parking lot, his pinkie lapped over hers.

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