Page 102 of Wedlocked

We all continued to stare.

“We just had a bro-ment with Coach,” Ryan mused.

Emmett groaned. “Don’t act like I never taught you anything before. It was this or watching the house burn down while Kruger cried about his wedding getting ruined.”

“Make me another one.” Jamie thrust the stick at him again.

Bodhi slid in front of Emmett. “Make your own. The next one he makes is for me.”

“Greedy,” Jamie mourned.

Ryan took his stick. “I’ll make you one.”

“We don’t even have to get married,” Jamie implored. “It’s me and you in sickness and health forever, bro.”

“This is heartwarming, but do you mind?” I said to Coach.

He gestured for me to lead the way.

Partway inside, I turned to see Emmett trying to drag Bodhi with him. Bodhi saw me staring and glanced away.

“You too, Bodes. Let’s go.”

His shoulders loosened, and he followed.

We went into the great room where the fire was almost out save a few glowing red embers among the ash. I paced in front of the hearth, and Emmett took up residence beside the chair, crossing his arms over his chest and studying me.

God, I hoped he didn’t see my nerves.

“What’s this about, Rush?”

I was down to the wire with time and also with patience, so I came right out with it.

“I’m going to ask Landry to marry me.”

“So you keep saying,” Emmett replied, unfazed.

Planting my feet, I dug into the front pocket of my jeans and pulled out a small black velvet box. “I’m not talking about someday. I’m talking about tonight.”

Emmett’s arms fell to his sides, and he stepped forward, eyes on the black box.

Bodhi made a sound and came forward. “Holy shit, for real? Never thought I’d see the day Jason Rush went down. I’ve got to see this rock.”

I snatched the box away, holding it up out of his reach.

“I think Landry gets the right to see it before anyone else.”

“You really bought my daughter an engagement ring?” Emmett’s voice was low and even. Kinda made my stomach clench.

Never tell anyone I admitted that.

“Of course I did. It’s a quality diamond, custom set just for her. I can show you if you?—”

Emmett held up his hand. “Keep the box closed,” he said. “I agree. My daughter gets to see it first. Besides, I don’t care what kind of ring you got her.”

“You don’t?”

“No. I only care if you understand that ring means a commitment to my daughter. One that doesn’t end.”

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