Page 97 of Shea's Hero

This.

This is what I’ve been waiting for.

Shea. My heart. And soon to be my wife.

By the time the kiss ends, we’re both gasping for breath. Shea’s cheeks are flushed and her hair has that sexy tousled look I love. And there’s nothing I want more than to make love to my beautiful, intelligent, brave fiancée.

Fingering one of the strings holding up her dress, my voice goes rough as I say, “I think this is definitely a reason to celebrate.”

“It is.” Shea’s hand covers mine, stilling it. “But you forgot something.”

“I did?”

“Yes.” Grinning, she tilts her chin at the box still held in my hand. “You forgot to put the ring on.”

Oh.

Oops.

“Well,” I reply with a smile. “This is the first time I’ve proposed. So it’s understandable that I mess upsomething.”

“You didn’t mess up.” Love shines in her eyes as she looks at me. Holding out her hand, she adds, “You did everything perfectly.”

As I slide the ring on her finger, tears burn in my eyes. “You’re perfect, Shea. Thank you for coming back to me. Foragreeing to marry me. And for making me the happiest I’ve ever been.”

“Oh.” It’s a soft sigh as she glances down at the ring on her finger. Then her eyes meet mine again. “Thank you for waiting for me.”

CHAPTER 21

SHEA

Six months ago, I never could have imagined being here.

Back then, the idea of being with Oliver was just a wishful fantasy.

Six months ago, I thought my life in White Plains was as good as it could get.

Not that it was bad—I know I was luckier than most. I had a decent job, a house of my own, and after years of struggling, even good health. My brother was safe and blissfully happy living in Texas, newly engaged to my best friend.

If anyone had asked back then, I would have told them I was content.

But now? It’s so muchmorethan that.

In some stroke of incredible luck, I found everything I ever wanted.

The purest joy. Enduring trust. Unconditional acceptance and support. True love.

And forgiveness. Without that, the rest wouldn’t be possible.

Yes, it was a hard road to get here. When the obstacles were so great, I wasn’t sure I would make it through. First, those awful months after my hospitalization, when it felt like my entirelife had collapsed around me. Then the years of rebuilding, of finding ways to stay healthy, and trying to move past the mistakes I made. And, of course, the terrible events put into play by that awful Romanova—I don’t think I’lleverforget those.

But I made it.Wemade it.

Me and Oliver. Soon to be Mr. and Mrs. Kingston.

After everything, all the dark days, the tears, the moments when I missed Oliver so badly it felt like a hole had been carved into my chest, it all worked out.

“Shea? Are you okay?”

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