Soaring with Fallon (Big Sky 4)

“I wanted to create a mystery.” I sigh, sitting back in the seat. Summer is over, and we’re officially into fall. It’s still beautiful during the day, but the nights are cooler. “And I guess it worked.”

“It was a great idea. And the building looks different, so it wasn’t a disappointment.”

“It’s amazing what some paint and elbow grease will do.”

We’re quiet for the rest of the drive. I’m exhausted and energized at the same time. I feel like I could both sleep for a month and run a marathon.

It’s taken me the whole two months since the accident to get back to my pre-injury health. It was amazing to me how quickly I lost muscle tone, flexibility, and muscle memory. But with dedication and hard work, I’m back to where I was before.

“It’s amazing how we lose the sunlight so quickly now,” I say, watching Noah’s high-beams illuminate the road to the house. “Three months ago, it would have still been light outside.”

“You’re right,” he says. “I’m not quite ready for winter.”

“We have a little time before the snow flies.”

He nods and parks in front of the house.

“Why don’t you ever use the garage?” I ask, pointing to the detached three-car garage not far from the house.

“I do in the winter,” he says. “I guess I’m just lazy in the summer. Why do you ask?”

“Just curious.” I shrug and follow him inside. “I’m going to take a shower.”

“Why don’t we do a little stargazing first?” he asks, taking my hand in his and kissing my knuckles. “I want some more time with you. I had to share you all evening.”

I cock my head to the side, feeling a shift in the energy but unable to put my finger on why.

“Okay.” We walk outside, and I gasp, stopping in my tracks. “Oh, this is pretty.”

Noah has strung twinkle lights above and around the deck. Rose petals are sprinkled everywhere, and champagne is chilling in a bucket by the chairs.

“Noah.”

I turn to find him smiling, his hands in his pockets as if he’s nervous.

“We need to celebrate,” he says simply and leads me to a chair. “Have a seat.”

“Are these chocolate-covered strawberries?”

He nods and pours me a glass of champagne, does the same for himself, and then sits next to me. The chairs are angled more, so I’m looking right at him, our knees almost touching.

“You know, I didn’t want to fall in love, Fallon. It really wasn’t in the plan. I had my business, my family, and I was content.

“Or, at least I thought I was.”

He frowns, staring at his glass.

“But then you came into my life, and I started to want more. To want everything.”

He looks up at me now, and I hold my breath, listening intently.

“I love you so much it hurts.” He swallows hard. “I ache with it, and I don’t want to ease that ache. I look at you, and I see everything good in my life. I’m all in, Fallon, for the rest of my days. I want to grow old with you, sitting on this deck and watching the sun rise over the mountains. I want babies—when you’re ready.”

I feel my lips twitch, remembering my awkward conversation on this very deck about children.

“I want to enjoy my community, my family, and I want it all with you.”

He sets his glass aside and slips down onto one knee. I gasp, covering my mouth with my hand and holding his gaze with mine. He holds out a diamond ring that sparkles in the twinkling lights.

“Fallon, will you marry me?”

“God, yes!” I throw my arms around his neck, holding on tightly. I press my lips to his ear. “I love you so much, Noah King.”

He eases back and slips the ring on my finger, then kisses the knuckle above it. I feel the zing of electricity all the way up my arm.

I lean in, cupping his cheeks, and kiss him, firmly at first, but then the tone changes to soft and sensual. My nipples tighten. My core flexes.

“If you’re going to be my husband, does that mean I can get you naked whenever I want?”

He cocks a brow, interest filling his brown eyes. “That’s always been the case, sweetheart.”

“Oh, good.”

I tug up his shirt, but he stills my hands. “Hold that thought. There’s no one out here, but just in case.”

He hurries over and unplugs the twinkle lights, and we’re just in moonlight now. He pulls his shirt over his head and tosses it aside as he joins me.

“Is it too cold to do this out here?” I ask.

“You tell me. You make me so hot, I could do this in sub-zero temperatures.”

I laugh and reach for the waistband of his jeans.

“I’m hot for you,” I answer honestly, and he leans in to plant a kiss on my forehead, in that way he does that has set me on fire since our first date. “Let’s get you out of these clothes.”