Grave Legacy
Page 26
She laughed. “Overcompensate much?”
He smiled and shrugged a shoulder, feeling his face heat. “Maybe. Look, I know we didn’t have the most conventional romance—”
“That’s putting it mildly.”
He laughed, but the butterflies in his stomach had started up again as soon as he’d begun his carefully practiced words. “Let me get this out. I know we didn’t have the most conventional romance, but I’ll spend the rest of my life making up for lost time. I hope like hell that’s a long time, but after the last few days… I don’t want to waste another minute.”
Chris stood and moved to kneel beside Joey’s chair, taking the small velvet box out of his jacket pocket and opening it to display the classic diamond solitaire nestled within. When he looked up at Joey, shock and surprise were painted across her face as she shifted her eyes back and forth from him to the ring. He could feel other eyes on him as well. This was the sort of gesture that didn’t go unnoticed in a public place. The butterflies fluttered with a vengeance. He half expected them to fly out his mouth when he opened it again.
“I know our lives are in flux right now, and I don’t know what tomorrow will bring. What I do know is that we’ll face whatever it is together. I love you, and I want you by my side now and forever. Joey Grant, will you marry me?”
Tears glittered in her eyes as they met his. Her wolf rose behind her eyes, and his rose in answer, each calling to the other. The butterflies in his stomach were immediately quelled, because he knew the answer before she spoke. He felt it, deep inside.
“No,” she said.
Chris blinked in equal parts confusion and disbelief as his stomach sank to the floor. “What?”
Joey’s lips twitched, then broke into a smile. She barked a laugh as a tear escaped to drip down her cheek. “Yes, Chris. Yes, I will marry you.”
Relief flooded him, and he quickly slid the ring on her finger while the diners at nearby tables applauded.
“I guess I deserved that,” he muttered, but still grinned like a fool.
“Yeah, you did.” She took his head between her hands and kissed him soundly, then stood and drew him toward the dance floor. Apparently, he wasn’t the only one with itchy feet.
The string quartet cheekily played a few bars of the wedding march, and they both laughed as they took to the floor. She felt good in his arms. Right. He’d missed dancing so much in the last week or so, but he’d missed dancing with her, specifically. The quartet transitioned into a waltz, and together they spun around the small dance floor, practically dancing on air.
Tomorrow, there would be much to discuss. Much to decide. Tonight, none of that mattered. All that mattered was the woman in his arms, his past, present, and future wrapped up in one feisty package.
“You know that love, honor, and obey thing is a no-go, right?” said woman asked, flashing him a mischievous smile.
Chris laughed and pulled her closer, winking. “We’ll see about that.”
Chris & Joey’s story continues in 2019.
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Acknowledgements
My mother passed on her love of reading to me, but in recent years she has read less and less. Still, she devours my books as soon as they come out—often in one sitting—and I’m pretty sure she’s my biggest fan. Thanks, Mom, for all your love and support over the years.
I’d also like to thank my accountability partner and mentor, Kathy McClure. Brainstorming sessions with her are directly responsible for the titles of the books in this series, and she’s been a huge source of inspiration and support for me.
Amy McKenna and Kimberly Hyatt… where do I start? Your insightful critiques shaped this book in ways you might not even realize, and I am both grateful and humbled to share the path to publication with you.
Finally, to my cats… thanks for nothing, you adorable little shits who only seem to want to cuddle when I’m trying to work.
Cats, man. Am I right?
About the Author
Disenchanted with her mundane human existence, Lori loves spinning tales of magic and creatures of myth & legend existing in the modern world. When not indulging in these flights of fancy, she enjoys cooking, crafting, gaming, and (of course) reading. She’s also a bit of a weather geek and would like to go storm chasing one day.
Lori lives in Austin, Texas with her husband and three adorable kitties that don’t understand why mommy doesn’t like them climbing on her laptop and batting at the screen.
The kitties, that is. It’d be really strange if her husband did that.
www.loridrakeauthor.com
lori@loridrakeauthor.com
Also by Lori Drake
Grant Wolves Series
Early Grave
Shallow Grave
Grave Threat
Grave Legacy