Page 31 of Hot to the Touch

Jaquelin gasped from across the table, covering her mouth with a hand as Kellen wrapped an arm around her and smiled at Emily.

Emily, unlike Jaquelin, still looked confused.

Aiden continued. “And one year ago, today, I told you that I was going to marry you. I presented you with a ring I bought for you years ago, and you said to wait.” Emily finally understood. Her mouth dropped open as Aiden dropped to a knee before her, pulling out the ring in question. “You told me to wait one year, and then you’d give me an answer. Well, it’s been a year, and I learn to love you more and more every day. Emily Janae Young, will you do me the absolute honor of marrying me?”

Before Emily could say a word, Redmond heard Shailene’s whisper. “This crazy motherfucker.”

“Of course, I’ll marry you,” Emily said, offering her left hand to him. Aiden, with trembling fingers, slid the ring around her finger and stood, lifting her from her seat and twirling the love of his life in his arms.

Redmond found it crazy how far they’d all come. A few years ago, none of them had a significant other, and the Engine 10 Company relied only on each other. But now, surrounded by his quickly growing family, Redmond felt a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment as everyone sat with a spouse, his daughter ran around the table excitedly, he cradled a newborn in his arms, and the love of his life sat at his side.

It hadn’t been for free. They’d all endured challenges, and they still struggled with those challenges every day, but he couldn’t imagine a better life.

“Just so you know,” Shailene said to Sully across the table. “If you ever try to propose to me, I’ll leave your ass so fast.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” Sully replied, looking at her with the same light that shone in Redmond’s eyes when he peered at Chelsea.

Chelsea’s lips brushed across his ear. “I wouldn’t mind if you proposed,” she whispered, her breath tickling his lobe.

Redmond turned his attention to her and planted a small kiss on her lips. “I have forever with you,” he told her, leaving three more pecks on her lips. “I don’t plan on rushing a thing.”

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