That earns a few chuckles.
“I want to make this permanent. Will you marry me?” He pulls out a ring box and opens it. A stunning solitaire diamond sparkles in the light.
I don’t hesitate. I’ve imagined this moment, and the answer’s always been the same. “Yes!”
He stands up and wraps his arms, kissing me softly. I try to deepen it, but he whispers, “Your parents are here.”
I laugh. “Thanks for the save.”
He slips the ring onto my finger.
“Wait, my parents are here? How?”
“Savvy!”
I turn to see both my mom and dad beaming. My mom’s eyes are shiny with tears. I hug them both.
“Congrats, sis,” Benjamin says.
“You too?” I glance at Hunter. “How did you get everyone here?”
“I did it,” Maria says, stepping in for a hug. “I broke into your phone to get their numbers. Sorry, not sorry.”
I’m laughing. “Thank you. But I guess I better change my passcode.”
She leans in and whispers. “Don’t use your birthday. Too easy.”
“Noted.”
My mom places a hand on my shoulder. “We’ve missed you so much! What is this about running for your life?”
I glance at Benjamin. He shakes his head. He kept his word. But there’s no hiding it now.
“I’ll tell you all about it soon, okay?”
My dad’s eyes scan the crowd. “Are you safe now?”
“Yes, everything’s good.”
Madison approaches with a grin. “Congratulations! Now it’s time for cake!”
“Cake?”
“Right here,” Thunder says, setting a giant sheet cake on the table.
We walk over. It’s decorated with icing flowers and says,Congratulations on your Engagement!
I squeeze Hunter’s arm. “If I had seen that inside, I would have been asking a lot of questions.”
“Champagne!” Lightning calls, carrying a bottle.
Hunter holds out two glasses, and Lightning fills them. He hands one to me with a smile that melts my heart.
A year ago, I had no idea this man would become the person I’d been searching for. Now, with everyone we love around us and the danger behind us, I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.
“I love you,” I say.
He clinks his glass with mine. “I love you, too, Mrs. Charles.”
