Page 20 of Garrett

I grin. “Good,” I whisper. “Because I’m not done with you yet.”

And I spend the rest of the night proving it.

Chapter 9

Rachel

Iwake to the sound of my cabin door banging open, followed by my brother’s ear-splitting shriek. Through the fog of early morning, I vaguely remember that today is the day Garrett’s supposed to leave—Ryder and Garrett were coming to pick him up.

“MY EYES! MY BABY SISTER! WHAT THE—”

I yank the blanket up to my chin while Garrett moves to shield me. Jake, always the smarter of my brother’s friends, has already retreated to the porch, but Ryder stands frozen in horror, one hand dramatically covering his face like he’s auditioning for a soap opera.

“Get out!” I yell, my face burning. Of course. Of course this would happen the morning after the most perfect night of my life.

“Actually, wait.” Garrett’s hand touches my arm, and I turn to stare at him. Has he lost his mind?

“While I’m here?” Ryder sputters. “I’m trying to leave! Forever! With bleach for my brain!”

“I love your sister.” Garrett’s voice rings clear and strong, making my heart skip. “And I want your blessing to marry her.”

My head whips around so fast I hear my neck crack. “You what?”

Ryder drops his hand, temporarily forgetting his trauma. “You... what?”

“Oh my God,” I groan, mortification mixing with disbelief. “Tell me you’re not actually asking my brother’s permission like it’s 1850.”

“I’m not asking permission,” Garrett says, sliding out of bed (thank god he’s wearing sweats). “I’m asking for his blessing. There’s a difference.”

“There is NOT—” I start, but the words die in my throat as Garrett drops to one knee beside the bed.

From his discarded jeans pocket, he pulls out a ring that catches the morning light. My heart stops as I recognize the metal—the same steel and copper from the installation piece that started everything.

“Are you kidding me?” Ryder mutters from the doorway. “You couldn’t even spring for a diamond?”

Tears fill my eyes as I reach for the ring. “You made this? From...”

“The piece that nearly killed me when I met you? Yeah.” He takes my hand, and suddenly I can’t even remember why I was mad. “Because that’s us—taking something that could have been a disaster and turning it into something beautiful. I love you, Rachel. Marry me?”

I launch myself at him, blanket and all, nearly knocking us both over. “Yes! You ridiculous, romantic idiot, yes!”

“I’m still mad about this,” I add, even as I admire how the ring catches the light. “But also I love you.”

“I’m leaving now,” Ryder announces. “Jake! We’re going! And Garrett—” He points two fingers at his eyes, then at Garrett. “I’m watching you.”

“Love you too, big brother!” I call after him sweetly.

“Yeah, yeah,” he grumbles, but I catch his small smile as he turns away. “Just... be happy, okay?”

As the door slams and we hear their truck start up outside, Garrett pulls me close. “So... both mad and happy?”

“Furious.” I kiss him. “And completely, utterly in love.”

You’re really staying?” I ask softly. “What about the Colorado contract?”

“They’ll find someone else. I found something better right here.” His fingers trace the ring on my hand. “Besides, this town is growing. I’m sure I can find enough work around here.”

“Practical and romantic,” I tease. “No wonder I said yes.”

---