He drove us to the beach.
"Come on, love," he said, getting out. I started to follow him down but stopped in my tracks. The beach was covered with candles and there was a table with two chairs in the middle. I turned to Ryder who was smiling at me, standing with his hands in his pockets.
"Did you do all of this?" I asked and he shook his head.
"Your sisters, Amy, and Josh helped while you were at the fight," he said. "I haven't taken you out on a proper date and it felt like I owe it to you," he said.
My heart melted. "Ryder, that's not necessary. You’ve been looking after me, and you know I don't like fancy dates."
He smiled. "That's why I did this on the beach. I know how much you love the sea."
He pulled out a chair and sat down next to me. I burst out laughing when I saw Josh was our waiter. The night was fun and romantic. I rested my leg on Ryder's lap while he traced patterns on my skin.
"You know I love you, right?"
I looked up at him and nodded.
He smiled. "From the day I met you in the dressing room, I was hooked. The way you stood your ground even though I could see you were a fan, you never fell at my feet or treated me any different. Months ago, I realized I want to spend the rest of my life with you." He turned to me and placed his hand on the table.
I gasped when I saw the small velvet box in his hand. He handed it to me and I opened it—a small ring with a small diamond. Not too big, not too small. It was just right for me. Tears started flowing down my cheeks as I saw him go down on one knee.
"Alexandra Anderson, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to be there for you when you cry, when you smile, or when you have a bad day. I want to build a home with you, have kids and a yard full of dogs. I want you at every fight, and I want to point my finger at you, showing the world what a great woman I have. You’ve filled my heart with so much love. You are so plain and so beautiful. Will you marry me?" He held his breath.
I nodded. He exhaled softly and slowly slid the ring on my finger.
Once the ring was on I jumped into his arms and placed a kiss on his lips. I was still crying and he was smiling as he held me.
"My tough girl," I heard him whisper.
I was his tough girl, who’d finally found her place in the world.
Tough Girl Page 15