Page 186 of Guarding Grace
I swallowed hard, looking through my tears of joy at the diamond ring and the man who loved me.
“But,” he continued, “I can’t see any future that doesn’t include you in my life. I can’t breathe without thinking of you.”
I sniffled, feeling the same way.
“If you think it’s too soon, you can say so, and I’ll understand. But know you’ll only be putting off the inevitable. I may not be the smartest man alive, but I know you were meant for me, and me for you. I promise to forever?—”
“Stop already,” I sobbed.
His face fell.
“How can I answer if you don’t ask me the damned question?”
His smile returned. “Grace Ellen Brennan, will you marry me?”
“Sure as shit yes.” I offered him my hand.
Applause erupted as he slipped the diamond solitaire on my finger.
What followed were dozens of smiles, hugs, and congratulations.
Terry whispered in my ear. “You’ll be a wonderful mother.”
It should have scared me, but for some reason, picturing my belly swollen with our child warmed my heart.
The money Terry had gotten as the reward for finding the missing briefcase had stabilized my business. My life had turned completely turned around. In the last few weeks, I’d survived car chases, gun battles, kidnappings, and found a happiness with Terry that I hadn’t known existed. As I stood hand in hand with my love, I couldn’t imagine anything better.
Lucas tapped his watch.
Terry leaned over. “You have one more present.”
I hugged his arm. “You’ve given me enough already.”
“No,” he insisted. “The best one yet is coming soon.” He pointed at the door.
A few people nearby turned.
I swung my eyes that way. “What?”
Terry moved behind me, putting his hands over my eyes. “Patience, woman. It’s supposed to be a surprise.”
“I’m not twelve.”
He gripped me tighter when I fidgeted.
“Very soon,” Lucas said.
None of this made sense.
I heard gasps, a few “holy shits,” and clapping before Terry let me look. When he moved his hands, the sight took my breath away. It wasn’t possible.
Pete had walked in. It was a miracle. He was alive—much thinner than he had been, and he had a scar on his cheek, but my brother was alive.
Hoping I wasn’t hallucinating, I ran to him with happy tears. I crashed into him and gave him the strongest hug I could manage. My heart beat so fast I could barely get the words out. “They told me you died.” I wiped at my tears.
“Omega got me out.”
Terry was right. This was the best present anyone could ever hope for.
