Page 38 of Axel (Reed Hawthorne Security #6)

Savvy

I lean against the bedroom doorframe, arms crossed. “That’s the third shirt you’ve tried on. What’s going on?”

Hunter shrugs. “Nothing. They weren’t comfortable.”

I laugh. “Tell me the truth. You want to look good for your friends tonight.”

Thunder and Madison invited everyone over to their place for a backyard barbecue. I’m excited. I haven’t seen Alicia or Madison in a while.

“If I don’t put some effort into what I wear, I’ll never hear the end of it from Lightning.”

Lightning is a character. And he is particular about his clothes, but I never noticed him caring what anyone else wore.

“That’s the winner,” I say as he buttons up a blue shirt. “It brings out your eyes.”

He smiles. “Yeah?”

I walk over and kiss him. It deepens quickly .

He pulls back with a groan. “Okay, we should go before I make us really late.”

I wrap my arms around his neck. “I wouldn’t mind that.”

“Normally, I wouldn’t, either, but these guys would know.”

He heads downstairs.

“Don’t forget the food,” he says.

I grab the potato salad I made from the refrigerator and meet him at the door. He’s fidgety, having his hands in his pockets, then pulling them out again.

“You okay?” I ask.

“Never been better. Let’s go.”

As we walk up to Thunder’s house, I admire the rose bushes lining the walkway.

Instead of knocking, Hunter opens the door and escorts me in. He leads us into the kitchen, and I’m in awe of how large the island is.

“That island is huge!” I say.

“Yeah, he just had it installed.”

Laughter filters in from the backyard.

“Looks like everyone is out back,” Hunter says.

We head outside, and it’s beautiful. String lights crisscross the patio, and at the far end of the yard is an archway covered in blooming wisteria.

I set the bowl I’m carrying on a table with the other food. “Wow, those flowers are so pretty,” I say, drawn to them.

As I turn to get Hunter’s attention, he’s already right behind me, wearing a goofy grin I’ve never seen on him. Then he drops to one knee.

Wait. Is he…?

My heart kicks into overdrive. I glance around. Everyone’s smiling at us. I spot Maria in the crowd.

“Savvy,” he says, “I asked everyone here today because I wanted the world to see how much I love you. This past year with you has been amazing. Well, after we stopped running for our lives, of course.”

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.”

He leans in and kisses me. It’s the kind of kiss that promises a lifetime.