Protecting Melissa (Holiday Cove 4)

“I try.” He chuckled and took the bags to the table by the windows. “Wow, this place looks even better at night. This view…”

I smiled and helped him unpack the bags. “Yeah. Jackson loves it. He said that we’re as tall as the dinosaurs.”

Chase laughed. “Already over the pirates and right into dinosaurs, huh?”

“You gotta be fast to keep up with that one.”

Chase unpacked the last bag and started opening the white paper cartons. Each one held a new, mouthwatering dish. Thai from the smell of it. “I wasn’t sure what you’d like, but figured anything that didn’t involve eggs, beans, tortillas, or plantains was a safe bet.”

I laughed and nodded. “Smart man.”

We served up two plates and took a seat on the couch. “Did you tell Matt?” I started, figuring it best to get the elephant out of the room.

Chase shook his head. “No. I figured we could do that together. We don’t need to do everything in one day, you know.”

I laughed softly and nodded. “I guess that’s true.”

“Although, there is one more thing I would like to do before the night is over.”

My skin prickled with a flush of heat. I set my plate down in my lap and turned to face him. “Should we stash this in the fridge?”

Chase took my plate and set it on the coffee table before reaching for my hands. “Melissa, I know that this has been a long day…a long month…but there’s something I need to tell you and I don’t want to wait until the perfect, right time. Mostly because it doesn’t seem like that’s even possible with all the things coming up over the next few weeks.”

I nodded, but my eyes flicked back and forth between his, looking for clues as to where the conversation was leading. Had the reality of my life in California finally set in and scared him off? Was this the part where he bowed out and told me that he wanted to see his child but needed to move on to another job?

“I’m happy for you, that you and Jackson are home and you can rest assured that you’re safe. I know you don’t need me hanging around anymore, but, I don’t want to say goodbye. We haven’t formally talked about what the next step is, and this might be the part where I make a giant ass of myself, but…” he pushed off the couch and sank down on one knee in front of me. He held my hands tight but as soon as he released one to dig in his pocket, it flew up to cover my mouth. My vision blurred with tears as he presented me with a small black box. “Now, this might not be as fancy as what you were hoping for, but I saw it today and I knew I had to get it for you.”

He popped the cover to reveal a small, turquoise stone set in a silver band. It matched the necklace he’d given me from the flea market. It was dainty and simple but absolutely beautiful.

“Chase, what does this—what are you saying?”

He smiled up at me. “I wasn’t sure when I’d settle down with someone or whether I’d ever have a family. I’ve always wanted one, but with the life I’ve lived, it wasn’t possible. Until I met you. I only want to do this once. I want one love that I can cherish and keep for my entire life and that’s you, Melissa. I’ve fallen madly in love with you. and I don’t ever want to say goodbye to you or to Jackson.”

I glanced at the ring and then back into his dark eyes. “I don’t want to say goodbye either. I love you too, Chase. More than I ever thought possible.”

“Melissa O’Keefe, will you marry me? I want to build a home and a family for Jackson and for the new little one. Will you do that with me? I promise that I will spend every day for the rest of my life not only protecting you and our family, but I will work to make you happy and give you the kind of life you deserve—the life you’ve spent so many years dreaming about.”

The tears that welled in my eyes broke loose and streaked down my cheeks as I nodded frantically. “Yes, Chase. I can’t imagine anything that would make me happier than to be your wife.”

Chase joined me on the couch and pressed his lips to mine, sealing the promise between us with a kiss I would cherish for the rest of my life.

Epilogue

“Melissa, do you know where Abby’s binky is?”

I laughed to myself and grabbed one from the kitchen counter. I held it up as Chase came into the room, trying to contain our five-month-old daughter in his arms as she wiggled and screamed.