Page 117 of Faking it with the Green Beret

“In a year, I see us pretty much where we are now. Here. Together with Boss.”

“Okay.” His expression didn’t change, but disappointment laced that one, short word.

But she was ready for more. “Two years from now, maybe I’m pregnant, or we already have our first child.”

Those words brought the biggest smile in history to his face. She smiled right back and looped her hands behind his neck.

“I’m hoping that smile means you’re on board with what I envision. We’ve both grown and dealt with our pasts. We love each other, and I have no doubt I’ve found the right person.”

“I definitely have too. With Boss’s help. Good dog,” John said. “I have something for you. Stay right here.”

He jogged off to the bedroom, leaving her curious and her heart pounding. He was back before her mind could move past her first premature and unlikely thought. In his hands, he held his gun case. Not what she expected. At all. She tried to hide the pang of disappointment.

He held it out to her.

“You’re giving me your gun?”

“No, I was just hiding something in my old gun case because I knew you wouldn’t go in there. Open it.”

The latch didn’t budge. “What’s the combination?”

“The first day we kissed.” His grin ratcheted up a notch.

“At the wedding?”

“No. I kissed you then. I’m talking about when you kissed me.”

She dialed in the month and day she’d showed up at his house. This time the lock popped open. Inside was a square black velvet jeweler’s box.

Her heart skipped a beat, and her lungs stalled. Had he really bought a ring? After he’d passed on the promotion and reassignment to SOCOM, they’d settled into life here. Neither had pressed Wren to move out of his house. They were taking their time and hadn’t discussed marriage, though it had certainly crossed her mind more than once.

“You don’t have to say anything. If you’re not ready, I understand. It’s been pointed out by a friend, who happens to be a counselor, that I tend to jump in too quickly. But I know I love going to bed with you, waking up with you, and I want to keep coming home to you, whether it’s from a day at work or a deployment. So, I want you to know I have this and whenever you’re ready, let me know and I’ll ask the question. Until then, I’m sticking around until you give me the boot.”

“Your counselor friend sounds like a wise person.”

“Oh, she is. Beautiful too. And great in bed.”

She cleared her throat. “As I was saying, she sounds wise, but I feel certain she would agree that sometimes you know with absolute certainty what’s right. Like this. Us. Ask me.” The longing consuming her nearly made her beg.

“Seriously? You don’t want to see the ring first?”

“I don’t need to see a ring.” Honestly, she didn’t even need one. She saw his heart, and she wanted this more than she’d wanted anything in her life.

John licked his lips and swallowed, then took the gun case from her hands. He set it on the kitchen table and picked up the velvet box. “I hadn’t planned what to say because I didn’t think this would happen so soon.”

That his words came out breathlessly sent chill bumps up her arms. “Then keep it simple.” He’d already told her what she needed to hear.

“I’m asking you to take my name—or wait. You don’t have to change your name if you don’t want to. I know you like your independence,” he stammered. “But I want to do life with you. Life with you.” He sang, dropping to one knee, and opened the ring box. “Elizabeth, will you marry me?”

“Yes! I want to be your wife. And share your life and your dog. Have your children.”

“Even if it means enduring my off-key singing?” He got to his feet.

“I would be disappointed if you didn’t sing at least once a day. Or talk to Boss like you expect him to answer. You make me smile and laugh. I’m happier than I’ve ever been.” Happier than she ever thought she could be and now the future she once dreamed of was becoming a reality.

“Right back at you.” His hands shook as he took the ring from the box. “With you, I feel it’s safe to love. Safe to leave when I have to and know you’ll be waiting for me to come home. You give me a reason to come home.” He slid the ring on her finger. “What do you say we practice baby-making to celebrate?” He toyed with the button on her pants.

“Practice? I think we’ve got that figured out.”

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