Page 43 of Beyond Reach

“It is… And a wedding proposal.” He cleared his throat.

She looked around the restaurant. Every patron stared at them, along with the staff. Their waitress stood not too far away, suspiciously holding a cake. Another woman beside her held a lighter. This was serious.

“Say yes,” Garner’s mom advised with tears in her eyes. His brothers and dad echoed Mrs. Driscoll’s words. They seemed to care about her and welcomed her into the family. Such kind people, they liked her, and she liked them as well.

Her heart po

unded out of control. She drew in a deep breath and blew it out shakily. Clutching her hands together, she realized Garner would want to slip the rock onto her finger. The man had gone too far, buying a diamond as big as her head.

Now you’re being dramatic, Chanda.

She was scared. What if she ran from him again? Or tragedy struck again? On the other hand, if she didn’t say yes, tragedy would fall. She’d break her own heart and his—again.

“Y-yes. I’ll marry you.” She panted the words out.

A cheer went up among the family, echoed by everyone around them. While Garner slipped the ring on her finger, the waitress arrived, lit the cake that said Congratulations Garner and Chanda, and wished them well.

“You were all in on this?” Chanda asked Garner’s family.

“Of course.” His mom shrugged. “Garner likes to tell us everything that happens in his life, and we enjoy sharing his news. We don’t always agree, but we’re glad to be included.”

“In this case,” his dad hurried to add, “we’re thrilled. You’re a good woman, Chanda, and we feel sure you and Garner will have a great life together.”

Garner tugged Chanda’s hand to pull her to her feet. “Come outside with me a minute.”

“But…”

She didn’t get the chance to decide. He had her through the doors leading to the courtyard outside. They found a cushioned bench with bright red pillows where they could be alone. The lighting out was just low enough to offer a sense of intimacy. After they sat down, Garner wrapped her in his embrace.

“Seems like the weather’s about to change,” she commented regarding the chill.

“It won’t be long. Next week will in the eighties.”

She smiled, amused. “I don’t mind Texas winters.”

“Baby?”

Her heart fluttered. He tilted her chin up so he could look into her eyes. His kiss set her off balance and stoked the fire in her belly to be near him at all times.

“I wanted to include my family when I surprised you,” he said. “But I’m giving you the chance right now to tell me if you don’t want this.”

“Are you kidding? You made this big production about asking me to marry you. You’re going to let me back out if I want to? Seconds after you ask?”

“You might feel railroaded. I don’t mind being embarrassed, if that’s what you want.”

She eyed him, and he grinned.

“Okay, I mind, but I’ll swallow the medicine.”

“I thought so. But don’t worry.” She smoothed a hand over his chest, loving the feel of his heart beating almost as wildly as her own. The warmth from his body drew her nearer, and she wrapped her arms around his torso to lay her head against his chest. “I want to be your wife. And I have news for you too.”

She drew back to see his eyebrows rise. “What’s that?”

“Don’t tell your family because I’m not sure. Okay?”

“O…kay.” His eyes danced in the moonlight. He must have guessed what she was about to say.

“I’ve missed my period, and I’m normally semi-regular. So…”

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