Page 81 of Be Courageous

Noting McKenzie’s tentative smile, this plan had been suggested to her already. Miles’s incredulity gave way to excitement. Well, why not? He’d wanted to marry her since first laying eyes on her.

But he wasn’t about to let his parents deprive him of a proper proposal. Dropping to one knee, he gazed up at McKenzie’s expectant expression. “What do you think, Angel? Will you marry me and not just because you want to escape to Morocco?”

Tears of joy sparkled in her light-green eyes. “Yes, Miles. I would go to Antarctica if it meant staying with you.”

He grinned. “Then we’ll do it.”

A stifled sound wrested his attention to his mother, who’d covered her lips with her fingertips. “Sorry. I’m just overjoyed,” she smiled through her tears, “and a little overwhelmed. I’d better call Reverend Miller to see if he’s available this weekend. Now, where’d I put my phone?” She whirled away in search of it.

Miles pushed to his feet. “Sorry I don’t have a ring for you.” Holding up her hand, he noted the tape measure she still clutched. “What’s that for?”

“Oh.” She laughed at herself. “I’m going to paint a mural in the living room for your mother before we take off.”

“You paint murals?” Gosh, there was so much about her he had yet to learn.

“I do. I studied visual arts in college.”

“Well, that part I know.”

“And I hope to paint murals for a living.”

The determined lift of her chin made him love her even more. “You can do anything you want to, McKenzie. The world is your oyster.”

“Especially after Ravenel goes to jail.”

Miles frowned at his father for reminding them. But then he realized McKenzie wouldn’t be here at this moment if it weren’t for his section chief. Nor would Miles be marrying her and spending the next few months in Morocco with her. He would have been alone and miserable. So…

Releasing McKenzie for the moment, he stepped toward his father and offered his hand. “Thanks, Dad. Really.”You’re not the heartless jerk I thought you were.

Given the wry twist of his father’s lips, Dad could tell what Miles was thinking. He shook his hand firmly. “Just do me a favor, Son.”

“Okay.” Miles braced himself.

“Don’t let your work ruin your marriage. Your wife comes first. Remember that.”

Out of the corner of his eye, Miles saw his mother appear at the door holding her cell phone. Her wide brown eyes were fastened on Dad. “Um, Reverend Miller says he can marry you two on Saturday evening. Does that sound good? Maggie will still be here, which is perfect. Can we invite anyone else, Drake? Close friends? Neighbors?”

“Mmm.” Dad didn’t seem too keen on the idea. “Let’s limit it to ten people we trust implicitly.”

Karen nodded. “Okay. And you’ll be there, too, right?”

“Of course.” He seemed offended she would even ask.

Stunned by his changing circumstances, Miles met McKenzie’s expectant gaze. “You sure you want to marry me in three days? That doesn’t feel rushed?”

The dimples in her cheeks flashed. “I’ve wanted to marry you for the past threeyears, Miles.”

“Well, when you put it that way, it doesn’t seem so spontaneous.” A thought occurred to him. “Wait, do you even have a current passport?”

She flicked a glance at his father. “Yes, under my alias, Karima Anderson. Supposedly, my mother was Moroccan.”

Huh. Miles glanced back at his father. He had obviously planned their exodus a while ago. “So…am I marrying Karima or McKenzie?”

“McKenzie, of course. The passport is just a safety measure. Once you’re in Morocco, you can call her by her real name.” Dad’s gaze rested warmly on the pair of them. “Well,” he seemed to recollect himself, “I’d better get going. You’re safe with Miles, McKenzie.”

She abandoned Miles to intercept Drake’s path. “Thank you so much for everything, Mr. Ellis.”

“Drake, please. Or even, Dad.” He hugged her like he meant it.

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