Page 95 of Tempest

Sitting up, he took her with him. “People think living in a small town is boring, but that is the farthest thing from the truth.”

“Ryan, I’m sure Dripping Springs is not a lot different from other small towns across this country. We’re just a bunch of regular folks trying to have a happy life.”

The fact that she thought this town’s cast of characters could be found anywhere else was sweet. “So, where are we going to live when we get the office up and running? Do you want to move to Austin or stay here?”

“Maybe we can stay here for the time being and see how it works. We can always move there later on if we decide that driving back and forth is too much.” Leaning against him, she sighed. “Where would you like to live?”

“With you.” He took her hands and held them. “My home and my happiness are with you. It doesn’t matter where we live. All I want is to wake up with you wrapped in my arms and go to sleep the same way. I love you, Ivy, and I was wondering if you would do me the honor of becoming my wife. I want to love you and protect you until my dying breath.”

A single tear tracked down her face, and he wiped it away with his thumb. “Are you breathing, honey?” He watched her head shake and another tear slide down her cheek. “Don’t pass out before you answer me.”

“Oh, Lord have mercy upon my soul,” she said as she took a big gulp of air. “I have been blessed with the dream that I hardly dared to have. The best man in the world loves me and wants to be by my side.”

Ryan dug into his pocket and pulled out the ring he’d been carrying around all week. “Ivy Bellows, will you marry me?”

She launched herself at him, and he caught her as he fell backward. She covered his face with kisses and repeated yes again and again. “I love you!” she shouted.

He rolled up and held her in his lap. “Let me see that hand of yours.” She held it out, and he saw that it was shaking. Grasping it, he lifted it to his mouth and brushed his lips across her skin. “Thank you for making me the happiest man in the world.” He slipped the ring on her finger and watched a smile appear on her face. “Now you’re mine.”

Looking up through wet eyes, she laughed. “I’ve been yours since you showed up in my bedroom and told me you came to protect me.” Leaning up, she held his face in her hands and gave him a searing kiss. “I’m going to keep you, Ryan Cordell. Make no mistake about it.”

Leaning over, he captured her lips and knew she was the girl he wanted to keep. Forever.

The End

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