Page 59 of Love Under Protection

The city lights glisten around us, music is playing, and we’re surrounded by our friends, and several of the other residents in the building. For that last night of the year in New York, I expected it to be much colder up here on the rooftop deck. I have to say though, the property managers did it up right and there are a lot of those outdoor heaters set up, plus the bar area is enclosed for the season.

Raylynn is tucked comfortably against my side as we mingle. The bruises on my chest and on Raylynn’s body have long since faded. We made it. I got the girl, and if I have it my way, we’ll be starting the new year off with a bang.

There’s a ring burning a hole in my pocket, and butterflies in my stomach.

I’m completely lost in the moment, soaking it all in while Jameson and Olivia tell some story about getting stuck in the elevator and giving both Jake and Thomas one hell of a free show. Raylynn laughs, the sound like music to my ears and warmth to my soul.

“Thirty seconds!” the DJ calls out and lowers the music.

We all turn to the East, where we can see the ball in Times Square.

Jameson flashes me a huge stupid grin, and when Raylynn turns her head, he gives me a thumbs up. Olivia is already starting to tear up.

The countdown clock hits thirty seconds, and everyone around us starts counting down. Like a well-rehearsed play, the minute everyone screams, “Happy New Year,” I let go of Raylynn and hit a knee beside her with the ring in my hand.

She covers her mouth with her hands and starts crying. Everyone around us goes silent.

“Raylynn, you walked into my life when I least expected it. You challenge me every day, and you complete me in a way I never thought possible. If there is one thing these past few weeks have taught me, it’s that time is fleeting, and tomorrow isn’t promised. I don’t want to waste another minute without you. Will you spend the rest of my tomorrows with me? Will you marry me?”

“Yes!” She gives me her hand, and I slip the ring on her finger. “Yes. I’ll marry you. A thousand times yes!”

I stand up and wrap her in my arms, pressing my lips to hers. Cheers and applause erupt around us. Olivia pulls us into a group hug, and Jameson slaps me on the back.

It’s when she holds her hand out for Olivia and a few of the others we know to see the ring that I hear her gasp, and I smile to myself.

“Harley,” Raylynn chokes back a sob. “How?”

The crescent solitaire and diamond-encrusted band is one I knew she would recognize.

“I had a little help.” I nod to Olivia. “She may have told me exactly where you kept things that were really important to you.”

Her parents may not be here to give me their blessing, but I did ask Olivia for hers. She told me how Raylynn kept her mom’s wedding rings and hoped that one day she’d get to wear it and Olivia told me exactly where to find them.

Raylynn playfully slaps my chest with one hand and wipes away the tears from her eyes with her other hand. “You snoop!” She laughs.

“Don’t worry. I didn’t try on your earrings or any of those obnoxious necklaces you keep in that jewelry box,” I joke and pull her in for another kiss. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“What do you say we get the hell out of here? I may have some champagne chilling on ice back at our apartment,” I whisper in her ear.

“Hell, yes.”

We quickly say our goodbyes and head for the elevator. When the door opens, I swoop her up in my arms, and she squeals. Everyone else laughs as I carry her onto the elevator car.

“You never cease to amaze me,” she confesses.

“I plan to spend the rest of my life amazing you, baby.”

She laughs at my cheesy humor. “I’m sure you will. You can put me down now.”

I’d give anything to spin her around and pin her to the wall, right here, right now. But I’m not willing to share any of her with anyone. Knowing we’re being watched is all I need to keep my hands mostly to myself and let her down only to tuck her back into my side.

I catch her staring down at her ring and smiling. My own heart bursts. I think I did right by her. For once in my life, I got it perfectly right.

“They would have loved you,” Raylynn breaks the silence and looks back up at me. “Dad would have given you a hard time, but in the end, he would have been honored to welcome you into the family. My mom would have fawned over you from the minute she met you. You would have charmed her, no doubt.”

“I hope they’re looking down and approve.”

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