Page 55 of About that Fling (The Can’t Have Hearts Club #2)

But she’d also come to recognize the incredible relief of ceding control to someone else. Someone she trusted to have her best interest at heart. Someone she loved more than anyone else in the world.

Someone exactly like Adam.

“I don’t mean to make you nervous.” He paused to say thanks to the waitress who set down the wine, then scurried away.

“But I do have one small gift I’d like to give you.

And it might be a bit of a surprise because—well, it was a surprise to me, too.

And even though we’re being surprised with it at different times, I want you to know we’re in this together.

You’re my best friend and partner, Jenna.

There’s no one else on earth I’d like to go through life with.

I love seeing your face every morning and watching the passion and competence you devote to your work.

I love how sweet you are with Mia’s kids, and what a good friend you’ve been to her.

I admire your relationship with Gertie, who—by the way, full-disclosure—knows about this gift.

She wants me to tell you she fully approves. ”

“Adam?” Her voice sounded quivery, and Jenna’s hands trembled in his.

“Yes?”

“I really appreciate what you’re trying to do. And everything you’re saying is so wonderful and sweet and I feel the exact same way about you.” She drew in a shuddery breath. “But if you don’t get to the point pretty quickly, I’m going to jump out of my skin.”

He laughed and pulled back his hands. “Sorry about that. I might have gone a little overboard in trying to put you at ease.”

“It’s okay.” She loved how gently he handled her. “What’s going on here?”

“Gramps pulled me aside the other night after we went to the cemetery.”

“Oh?” They’d all gone to Seattle together to commemorate their first year without Adam’s grandma. “Is everything okay?”

“Very much so. Gramps told me how much he’s loved getting to know you.

How he sees a spark between us that he never saw between me and—” He paused, probably deciding this moment would not be enhanced by bringing up his ex-wife.

“Gramps recognized the connection you and I have and said it reminds him so much of what he and Nana shared for all those years. He said the love we have for each other fills his heart with happiness, just watching us create the kind of caring, compassionate connection he and Nana had.” Adam paused, slipping a hand into his pocket.

“And he told me he knew Nana would have wanted you to have this.”

Jenna gasped as he pulled out a ring with a sparkling diamond at the center. A circle of smaller stones surrounded it, setting off flashes of silvery light as Adam held it out to her. “Oh my God,” she gasped. “Is that your grandmother’s ring?”

“It is,” he said softly. “And I won’t get down on one knee if that’s not what you want. But I will promise to cherish you and love you and be the best possible partner to you for the rest of my life if you’ll let me.”

Dragging her eyes off the beautiful ring, she met Adam’s gaze with tears hazing her vision.

“I promise the same.” Her voice sounded shaky, but so full of joy.

“This past year with you has been the best of my life. You make me a better person, Adam. When I’m with you, I don’t feel like I need to control everything.

I can let go and breathe easier, knowing whatever comes at us, we can handle together. ”

Smiling, he captured her hand and slid the ring onto her finger. It fit so perfectly she had to wonder when he’d found time to have it sized.

Or maybe it just fit—exactly like they did.

“I love you, Jenna,” he continued. “Will you do me the great honor of being my wife?”

“I will.” Swallowing hard, she glanced down at the ring. It nestled there, bright and hopeful, like a part of her hand already. Exactly like Adam did, it made everything just a little more beautiful. “I love you so much,” she said, lifting her eyes back to his. “And I can’t wait to marry you.”

“Good.” Squeezing her hands, he leaned over the table and kissed her. It was tender and sweet and Jenna felt her chest cavity fill up with warm sunshine. When he drew back again, he was smiling. “How was that for a non-proposal?”

“Perfect.” Laughing, she let go of his hands. “Did you really talk to Aunt Gertie?”

“I did. I thought if your mom were alive, I would have wanted her blessing. Since Aunt Gertie is the next closest thing, it felt right to loop her in.”

“I’m sure she loved that.” Jenna laughed as a light wave of sadness rolled through her. It swirled with the joy she felt in this moment, making a bittersweet brew that felt more sweet than bitter. “She sure loves you.”

“And she absolutely adores you.” He smiled. “I believe her exact words were, ‘Jenna deserves the very best, dear, and I believe you’re it. Please make sure you supply her with endless love, laughter, and multiple orgasms.’”

Jenna laughed. “That sounds like Gertie.”

“It does.” As Adam let go of her hands, he picked up his wine and took a small sip. “Now which one of those things would you like to start on first?”

Smiling with her whole self, Jenna reached for her wineglass. “All of it,” she said, sipping her wine. “Let’s get started right away.”

***

I’m so freakin’ happy for Jenna and Adam! Were you rooting for them like I was?

Up next in the Can’t Have Hearts Club series, you’re about to learn more about what’s troubling Allison Ross in This Time Around .

It turns out the frazzled young association executive has more on her plate than her parents in prison and a grandma who just passed away.

She’s about to come face to face with the man she once loved and kinda sorta hoped she’d never see again.

Read on for a peek at This Time Around . . .