Page 97 of Enforcing the Rules

I pulled my chin to the side. “What are you talking about?”

“Got something to show you.”

“That’s not an explanation.”

“Well, it’s the only one you’re gonna get.”

“Utah…”

“Humor me this once.”

“I humor you all the time.”

He grinned. “Well, add one more time to the list. Okay?”

“Fine.”

He turned to the clerk. “She’ll wear it out.”

I rolled my eyes, but on the inside, I was flooded with happiness. I felt prettier than I had in a long time.

He got his card back, a shopping bag with my clothes, and took my hand. When we got outside, he led me two blocks down to a grand hotel on the corner.

I gave him a mischievous grin. “Are we getting a room?”

He huffed out a laugh. “Maybe later.”

“Are we going to the bar?”

“Nope.” He led me through the lobby and down a corridor, stopping before a set of double doors. The plaque on the wall read Crystal Hall. Two staffers in white shirts and black vests pulled the doors open and Utah led me inside.

My mouth dropped open.

The entire room had been turned into a winter wonderland in silver and cream. It was filled with Christmas trees, each one decorated with glittering ornaments. Crystals dripped from the ceiling like snowflakes.

Utah led me to the center of the room where a dozen silver lanterns holding candles stood.

My heart was in my throat. “Did you do all this?”

“I know you love Christmas, and I wanted this moment to be special, one you’d always remember.”

I looked around. “I’ll never forget this.”

He took my hands in his and turned me to face him, and I knew what getting this dress for me was all about; I knew what he was about to do before he even dropped to one knee.

I covered my face, overcome with emotions. My throat closed, and I knew I couldn’t get a word out if my life depended on it.

He dug a ring box out of his pocket and opened it. A beautiful diamond ring sparkled in the twinkling lights.

“I love you, Kate. I have since the moment I laid eyes on you. You’re sweet, and you make me laugh, and you’ve got a good heart. I know you’ll make a wonderful mother to our child, and I plan to spend the rest of my life making you both happy, if you’ll let me. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

I nodded, my hands still tight over my face, and tears in my eyes.

He reached for one. “I kind of need your hand, babe.”

I stuck it out, and he slipped the ring on my finger. Then stood and took me in his arms for a bend-me-backward kiss.

Suddenly, the room was filled with applause and shouts of approval. I turned to see my mother, sister, Lizzie, and Cora Lee. Bill and Patty, and all of Utah’s MC brothers, and their ol’ ladies. They’d all actually cleaned up for the event, wearing button-down shirts and jeans.

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