Page 104 of Sworn to Protect

Both boys zip their lips, doing their best to look innocent. But Nick’s face cracks first. His eyes dart past my shoulder, and his mouth stretches into a wide grin.

Behind me, Nate chuckles, his deep, throaty amusement sending a ripple of anticipation down my spine. I twist around—and the second I do, my breath catches.

My heart stops.

My hands fly to my mouth.

Nate is kneeling.

Oh my God.

One knee on the ground. A black velvet box in his hand. His expression—strong, steady, and filled with so much love it makes my knees weak.

Tears prick my eyes.

I’ve seen this man in every state imaginable. Shirtless, sweat-drenched, lost in passion. I’ve seen him vulnerable, his haunted past weighing him down. I’ve seen him carry my kids, soothe their fears, show up for them in a way no man ever has.

But this?

Nate Dixon, down on one knee, looking up at me like I’m his whole damn world?

It’s the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen.

His voice is steady but thick with emotion.

“Mackenzie Gillman. Ever since I pulled over on the side of the road and you gave me hell, you’ve had me. You’ve touched my soul like no one ever could. I love your fire. Your stubbornness. Your drive. The way you fight for what you want. The way you love your boys. But most of all, I love the way you loveme—like I belong. Like I finally have a home.”

He exhales, slow and steady. “You once asked about my roots. Well, my roots are right here. With you. With these boys. Nothing would make me happier than making us official.”

He pops the box open, revealing a stunning princess-cut diamond.

Nick gasps.

Liam smacks his arm. “Dude, quiet.”

Nate smirks, his signature cocky grin competing with the ring’s sparkle. But as breathtaking as the diamond is, it doesn’t come close to the man holding it.

“Mackenzie,” he says softly. “Will you marry me?”

I blink back my tears, my heart swelling to the point of pain.

I nod frantically. “Yes.God, yes.”

He stands, slipping the ring onto my finger, and then his arms are around me, his lips crashing into mine. When he pulls back, his smile is one I’ll remember for the rest of my life—pure, unfiltered happiness.

“He asked our permission, and we said yes!” Nick says proudly.

A laugh bubbles up. “You did?”

“Yeah.” Liam shrugs, playing it cool. “I mean, who else buys us ice cream?”

I turn to Nate, my voice thick with emotion. “Thank you for including them.”

His hands cup my face. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

I smile against his lips as he kisses me, slow and deep. A promise. A vow.

I silently thank Ethan for sending me this broody, stubborn,perfectman.

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