Page 96 of Destiny

“Ava, the man is supposed to propose marriage.”

“Says who?”

Brendan smiles then. A great big one that splits his face. “You, Ava Steel, would break with every tradition in the free world, wouldn’t you?”

“When it’s a stupid tradition that makes no sense, then yes, sir, I would.”

“You’re very sweet, Ava. But paying off a debt is no reason to get married. We’ve talked about this. I all but proposed already, and you turned me down.”

I look down at my plate. He’s right, of course. I clear my throat. “I didn’t turn you down because I don’t love you. In fact, Idowant to marry you. I just want to get through all my family stuff first.”

“You’re not through that yet, Ava. I’ll repeat myself. Paying a debt is not a good reason to get married.”

I meet his gaze. “Being in love is.”

“Yeah, I reckon it is.”

I laugh. “That’s the first time I’ve ever heard you say the wordreckon.”

“I may be a townie, but I suppose there’s a little bit of cowboy in me.” He snorts. “That’s a lie. I think thatisthe first time I’ve used that word.”

“Let me level with you, Brendan.”

“I sure wish you would.”

“I didn’t think I was ready for marriage. Not for a long time. But now?” I gaze at his handsome face, his fair skin, his marble jawline, his full lips. And that fabulous red mane of his. “You’re the one. I don’t think I’ve ever doubted that. And even though I originally thought we’d wait a few years, I really do want to get married to you. And no, not just so I can pay off your debts.”

“Good, because Ava, I’m not going to let you pay that debt.”

“Once we’re married, it becomesmydebt.”

He shakes his head, chuckling. “Then I reject your proposal.”

I shouldn’t be surprised. And I shouldn’t let my heart break. But it does, just a bit, because I do want to be married to Brendan. I really, really do.

“Tell you what,” he says. “Why don’t we get engaged, Ava? I’ll get you a nice ring.”

“How can you—” I close my mouth.

I was about ready to ask how he can afford to get me a ring when he’s in debt up to his eyeballs, but then I thought better of it.

“All right, Brendan. But I don’t need a ring.”

“Well, you’ll get one. It just so happens that my mother has my grandmother’s engagement ring, and since she has no daughters, she told me when I found the woman I want to marry, I should give it to her. And I found her, Ava. I found you.”

Warmth spreads through me, like a giant hug. “Oh, Brendan.”

He rises then, pulls my chair away from the table, and then swoops me up over his shoulder as if I’m nothing more than a sack of potatoes.

A moment later, I’m naked, in my bed, Brendan on top of me, kissing me deeply.

Until I gasp at a sharp pain.

“You okay, baby?”

“Yeah, it’s just my hip…”

He pulls away, looks down at the transparent covering on top of my new tattoo.

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