Gunner sauntered in right after that, wearing a big grin on his handsome face. Looking at him never failed to make her heart race.
“Hey, you’re just in time. I’m about to lock up,” she said.
“Give me a kiss first,” Gunner said. “I’ve missed you so damn much.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Even though you just saw me during lunch?”
“Of course. Don’t make me wait.”
Gunner was up to something, although Paige couldn’t put her finger on it. She approached him and was two feet from him when he unexpectedly knelt in front of her. He took out a small black velvet box from the pocket of his jeans.
Paige’s heart hammered. This couldn’t be happening, but it was. Gunner flipped the lid of the box open, revealing a plain gold band with a princess cut diamond. She gasped, unable to contain herself.
“Paige Wilcox, will you do me the honor of marrying me?” Gunner asked.
She was at a momentary loss for words, but she recovered a few minutes later. She went onto her knees and clasped his outstretched hand. Lately, she had been picturing herself as Gunner’s old lady and not just his girlfriend.
With Richard gone, the past no longer had a hold on either of them. Paige was free to do whatever she wanted, including being Gunner’s wife. Tears rose in her eyes.
“Is that a yes? I can’t tell,” Gunner said. He brushed the tears from her cheeks with one inked hand.
“Of course, I want to marry you,” she answered without hesitation. He lifted her finger and slid the ring there. The diamond glittered beautifully under the warm yellow glow from the bookstore lights.
“I wouldn’t have taken no for an answer,” he said, beaming as he helped her up.
“Gunner, what brought this about?” she asked him. “It is because of this afternoon?”
He held her close, then kissed her long and hard, starting a fire inside of her. Paige’s nipples tightened as she kissed him back fiercely.
He pulled away to answer her. “You being pregnant is part of it, but not all of it. When we saw each other again weeks ago, I knew this was my second chance. I couldn’t let you go again, not like before.”
“You’ve made me so happy ever since,” she murmured, resting her head against his chest. She closed her eyes when he began stroking her hair. “You took care of Richard as well.”
“I can’t wait for you to be forever mine,” Gunner murmured in her ear. “Let’s not wait long. I want to get hitched right away.”
“What about this weekend?” she asked, lifting her head. It was Thursday. Could they really get everything ready in two, three days?
Gunner beamed at her. “This weekend sounds perfect, baby.”
Epilogue
Prudence dabbed a napkin against the corner of Paige’s mouth, removing excess lipstick. The other woman took a step back and nodded at her, satisfied.
“How do I look?” Paige asked, unable to keep the nervousness out of her voice.
When she suggested they get married this weekend, she didn’t think Gunner would take it seriously. She was open to another date, but her soon-to-be husband refused to hear of it.
In the end, Gunner and Paige enlisted the help of his MC brothers and their old ladies. Gunner managed to find a priest willing to come by the clubhouse for the ceremony. The wedding reception would be held here as well. Brick arranged for the Italian restaurant in town to cater the affair.
Paige didn’t have to do much, just agree or disagree. She gazed at her reflection in the mirror. A bride looked at her, happy but nervous. Part of her wished she’d never met Richard in the first place, but if she’d never left Grace, she wouldn’t have been the woman she was today.
“I wish I could be pure for Gunner.” Paige didn’t realize she uttered the words until Prudence touched her shoulder.
“Hey, Gunner’s never been happier, and in the end, you got your man. Isn’t that what matters?” Prudence asked her.
“It is,” Paige agreed.
“Let’s get out there before the crowd turns rowdy and Father Michael decides to leave,” Prudence suggested.
