Page 91 of Jasper

Rocky’s was different too, as was his tag.

Marry me?

She looked from the cat to Jasper, and he was smiling, pointing to Scrappy, the first kitten they’d rescued from certain death.

His collar held a ring. A beautiful diamond that wasn’t too big but wasn’t small. It was perfect.

Jasper came over and took the collar off. He got down on his knees in front of her.

“I knew I was going to marry you less than a month after I met you. I loved you a week after I met you, though I didn’t know it. It wasn’t until I almost lost you that I admitted it to myself, and now I can’t imagine my life without you, Sloane. I love you, pretty girl, and I want to spend the rest of our lives showing you how much every single day. Will you marry me?”

She threw her arms around him, big, fat tears falling out of her eyes. She didn’t care that her nose was going to be runny or that her face was going to get splotchy. She couldn’t help it.

“Yes, Jasper, I will marry you.”

“Don’t cry, pretty girl.”

“They’re happy tears.” She sobbed and hugged him harder. “I loved you from the moment I saw you in the bathroom with Scrappy. You were so gentle and kind, and I knew I was lost. I tried so hard to fight you, to keep you at arm’s length, but you got in despite my best efforts. I love you so fucking much.”

“Uh, do you think Jarrod will mind if we’re late for dinner?” he asked as he slipped the ring on her finger.

“He’ll come in here if we are.”

“He wouldn’t.”

“He would.”

“Then I guess we’d better go tell him that you’re making an honest man out of me, then, but later, you and I have a date minus the clothes.”

“Speaking of, I think you should put some on.” Sloane wiped her tears away.

“If I have to.”

“Maybe put that Santa coat back on later when we’re alone.”

“My, my, future Mrs. Watkins, aren’t you in a playful mood?” He grinned and stood, pulling her with him.

“I’m in a Jasper kind of mood.”

“Aren’t you glad I didn’t turn out to be a serial killer?”

“Jury’s still out on that,” she teased and kissed him. “Now, get dressed so I can show off my future husband.” She slapped his ass and went out into the living room, the ring sparkling on her finger.

Both men who meant the world to her were here, safe and whole.

What more could a girl ask for?