Page 36 of Hooked on Marshall (Hooked #9)

After Jonas found out about Marshall and Lana, he happened to ride by Marshall’s house on his way back to the Alehouse to confront him.

Spotting Lana’s car in his driveway, that’s when he decided that he wouldn’t wait for Marshall to get there, that instead he’d leave and go back to Marshall’s house to claim Lana once and for all.

In his declined mental state, he never once considered the consequences of breaking and entering and attempted rape.

Brian charged him with both as well as harassment and stalking.

Apparently, Jana Roberts had been Jonas’ first love.

He had intended on proposing to her at the end of their freshman year of college, but fate never gave him the chance.

After her death, he spent some time in a mental institution to cope with his loss.

When he came out, he was a changed man. Or so everyone thought.

He met another woman and married her. Burying his lost love away until Lana Rose started working at his uncle’s company.

Her appearance was all it took for him to slowly slip back into a reality where Jana was within his reach. Hence his affair with Lana and subsequent divorce. Now, he’s serving his time in the same mental institution he was in after Jana passed.

As far as Marshall and Lana, it took them a few days to get over the severity of what could have happened that night.

But they got through it together, making their bond and their love even stronger.

Their families gathered often as the rebranding for the Alehouse came closer and closer to fruition.

When the day of their grand reopening arrived, everyone was more than ready to see the final results.

Even Gina, who had stayed away from the Alehouse since the day she handed it

over to Marshall, was excited to see this new reincarnation. Yes, it would be emotional, but it would also be another step in healing her heart.

The unveiling of the sign was met with a chorus of cheers from those gathered.

Then a sob of recognition from Gina. Both families gathered around her to offer comfort.

But she was quick to recover and shout out for them to cut the ribbon and let everyone inside.

It took a half an hour for the crowd to take things in as Marshall and Lana happily explained the new specials and challenges diners could partake in.

Not to mention the loyalty rewards that would surely keep diners coming back for years to come.

Just before they officially started serving, Marshall called for everyone’s attention.

“If you wouldn’t mind, there’s one very important matter I’d like to take care of before we’re officially open for business today.”

After a few moments, everyone is settled and listening.

“Most of you know that this rebranding wouldn’t have been possible without the help of one incredible woman, Miss Lana Rose.”

The room bursts into applause as Marshall gestures for her to join him. After a sweet kiss, he tucks her into his side and keeps talking.

“I will never be able to thank her for what’s she done for this place,” he starts. “And even though the name was meant as a tribute to my dear departed brother, Mark, I’d like it to take on a second meaning as well. One that will make much more sense if Lana agrees to be my wife.”

She sucks in a breath and covers her mouth with her hands as Marshall drops to one knee and pulls a beautiful diamond ring from his pocket. The setting is shaped like a rose, with a round diamond mounted in the center of it.

“Lana Rose,” he says, his voice thick with emotion. “I was hooked the moment I laid eyes on you. It would make me the happiest man in the world if you would be my wife. Will you marry me?”

“Yes,” she chokes out. “God, yes, Marshall, I’ll marry you!”

A great cheer erupts from all around as he slides the ring onto her finger. With a bright smile, he rises and kisses her. When he pulls back, she brushes her hand over his cheek and sighs.

“I can’t believe you did that,” she says.

“Well, it was your idea to keep up with the Joneses,” he says. “And since all the ideas were yours, I figured you should officially be a Jones.”

“Oh, so this was a business move?” she teases.

“Hell, no,” he growls. “This was purely selfish of me because I want you to be mine and mine alone.”

“I like the sound of that.”

“And I promise you’ll like the feel of it later tonight when we consummate our engagement,” he growls.

“Oh, I know I will,” she breathes. “Because I am thoroughly hooked on you, Marshall Jones, and everything you do to me.”

Then they seal their commitment with another kiss.