Page 114 of Killaney Blood

I stop him in the hallway and kiss him. "Thank you, this is all so amazing."

He looks around and nods. "Yeah, it'll do for now. But when all this family drama is over, you, me, and the baby, anywhere you want to go."

I smile.

"What if I just want to stay home in Boston with you?"

He laughs and then leans in and kisses me. "Then we'll stay home in Boston."

We make our way back downstairs and the sheer size of this place hits me.

"This just seems so big for the two of us," I say, looking around the enormous house.

"Nah, it's perfect," he says, then checks his watch. "I have a surprise for you."

"Another surprise? Declan, this is already more than enough."

He smiles. "Come with me. There's something I want to show you outside."

He takes my hand and leads me toward the back of the house. As we approach the large double doors, he pauses.

"Close your eyes," he says softly.

I give him a skeptical look but comply. I feel the cold air again as he guides me forward outside.

"Okay," he says. "Open them."

I do, and gasp.

The back deck opens onto a clearing where an outdoor dining table has been set with plates and candles, like something out of Pinterest. String lights twine through the surrounding trees, casting a golden glow over everything. In the center of theclearing stands a stone firepit, flames leaping high into the night air.

"Oh my god," I breathe.

Declan's hand finds mine, squeezing gently. "Do you like it?" he asks.

"Like it? I love it. It's amazing."

"I wanted you to have the celebration you deserve in finding out we're going to grow our own family. Also, there's something else."

I turn around to look at him.

"Lyra," he says, his voice deeper than usual. "My soul, my life, the future mother of our child." He drops down onto one knee and reaches into his pocket, pulling out a small velvet box.

"From the moment I met you, you've challenged me, healed me, and reminded me what it means to feel alive. You gave me a reason to be more than what I was raised to be. You taught me to love without fear. And when I look at you, I see everything I never knew I needed."

He opens the box to reveal a ring that catches the firelight and throws it back in a thousand directions. A massive diamond surrounded by smaller stones, set on a platinum band. It's breathtaking. It's perfect.

"Will you marry me?"

Tears blur my vision, hot on my cold cheeks. I nod. "Yes, oh my god. A thousand times, yes!"

Declan slides the ring onto my finger, then stands and pulls me against him, his mouth finding mine in a kiss that tastes ofpromise. His arms wrap around me, lifting me off my feet, and I hold onto him like he's the only person in the world.

Suddenly, a scream and whistle pierce the air, echoing through the trees. I break away from Declan, startled, and see Keira standing on the edge of the deck, clapping and cheering. Even Callum is there, offering his solemn clap of approval.

"What?" I begin, confused by their sudden appearance.

"I love you, Lyra, and I wanted the whole family to be here to see it," Declan says, brushing my hair behind my ear.