Page 41 of Unearthed Dreams (Sable Point #3)
KAI
The early morning fog clung to Main Street as I locked up the bar’s newly installed glass door.
Last night’s Halloween party had been our most successful event yet—the updated sound system and expanded dance floor proving worth every penny I’d invested from Kelsey’s life insurance—the money originally earmarked for Billy’s care.
My phone buzzed.
CHARLIE
Still doing “inventory”?
I grinned.
KAI
Something like that. How’s the writing going?
CHARLIE
My immortal commander just confessed his love to his dragon rider. Finally.
KAI
About damn time. See you for lunch?
CHARLIE
Can’t wait
I pocketed my phone, patting the small velvet box in my jacket. Charlie thought I was doing monthly inventory counts—a perfect excuse for these early morning disappearances. In reality, I’d been making regular trips to Davidson’s Jewelry, designing the perfect ring.
The Everton house looked peaceful in the morning light, white columns gleaming against red brick. I’d called ahead, knowing Jay and Emma would be up. They always started their days early during harvest season.
Emma opened the door before I could knock, ushering me inside with a knowing smile. “Coffee’s fresh.”
Jay sat at the kitchen table, newspaper spread out before him. He folded it carefully as I took a seat, his expression unreadable.
“So,” he said, accepting a fresh cup of coffee from Emma. “You finally ready to make it official?”
I pulled out the ring box, setting it on the worn kitchen table. Emma gasped when I opened it, revealing the vintage-style emerald and diamond ring.
“It’s beautiful,” Emma whispered, touching the delicate setting. “Charlie will love it.”
“That’s actually why I’m here.” I met Jay’s steady gaze. “I’d like your blessing to ask Charlie to marry me.”
Jay leaned back, studying me with the same intense focus he used when inspecting his apple trees. “You’ve been sober four years now?”
“Four years, three months, and seventeen days. ”
He nodded slowly. “And the bar? Business is good?”
“Better than ever. The renovations are paying off, and we’re turning a solid profit now that...” I swallowed hard. “Now that I’m not paying for Billy’s care.”
Emma reached across the table, squeezing my hand. She knew how much I still missed the old man, especially on quiet mornings like this.
“You know,” Jay said, “when I first found out about you and Charlie, I had my doubts. The age difference, your past with Kelsey, the bar...” He shook his head.
“But I’ve watched how you are with her. How you support her writing, how you’ve integrated into this family despite all the chaos.
How you helped Chase get into recovery.”
I held my breath, waiting.
“The thing is,” Jay continued, “Charlie’s always been different from her brothers.
Quieter. More introspective. She needed someone who could appreciate that about her.
Someone who could give her space to grow while still having her back.
” A small smile cracked his serious expression. “Turns out that someone was you.”
“So...” I gripped my coffee mug tighter. “Is that a yes?”
Emma laughed. “Of course it’s a yes, you ridiculous man.”
“Just one condition,” Jay added, his eyes twinkling. “You have to tell her brothers yourself.”
I groaned, remembering how long it had taken Elliot to stop glaring at me across the dinner table. “All of them?”
“All of them.” Jay grinned. “Including Chase, once he’s back from his latest speaking engagement at Harbor Hall.”
The mention of Chase brought another smile to my face. Fifteen months sober and already helping other addicts find their way to recovery.
“Deal.” I stood, carefully tucking the ring box back into my jacket. “Thank you both. For everything.”
Emma pulled me into a tight hug. “Welcome to the family, officially.”
As I walked back to the bar in the brightening morning light, my phone buzzed again.
CHARLIE
Found your “inventory” notes. Pretty sure these are actually sketches of wedding rings...
I laughed out loud, startling a flock of sparrows from their perch on the bar’s new awning. Of course she’d figured it out. She wouldn’t be my Charlie if she hadn’t.
KAI
Caught me. Lunch might need to turn into something more special...
CHARLIE
Good thing I already told Jennifer I’m taking the whole day off then .
Time to execute the perfect proposal for my perfect girl.
Billy was right. I did deserve good things.
And Charlie? She was the best thing of all.