Daddy Undercover (Crescent Cove 9)

“Bee, don’t make me come over there and drag you out of that truck.”

I was filthy, sweaty even though it was barely thirty-nine degrees today, and wearing the junkiest clothes I owned. He was not going to put me on the spot.

“Ladies and gentleman, the woman I love is moving out today. Do you know why?”

“To live in sin,” came a loud female voice.

“Dios mio.” That was my mother’s voice. I tried to get farther into the back of the truck but damn Jared and Mason for being Tetris experts. There was barely an inch left for me to hide in.

“Bonnie, she won’t be living in sin.”

My heart raced. No way. He wouldn’t. Brooks would prefer to saw his badge in half rather than make a public spectacle.

“Bee? I have a question for you.”

I peeked out from the truck again. “What are you doing?” I raised my voice so hopefully he’d catch a hint. “Aren’t you supposed to be delivering my things to your house?”

“I have something important to do first.” His voice got louder. Where did he go?

The front door of the moving van opened then the whole damn thing shook. A loud bang thundered over my head.

“Brooks?”

“Up here, Bee.”

I peered up and almost fell out of the truck. “What are you doing?”

“Well, you mentioned I didn’t woo you enough.”

“This is your idea of wooing?” I jumped down off the ramp to the street.

He was sitting cross-legged on the roof of the van. “I wanted the entire town to know just how serious I am about you.” He lifted the megaphone to his lips again. “Bonnie, you still out there?”

“Yes. Go on, future-son-in-law.”

I covered my eyes with my hands. “This is not happening.”

“Regina Maria Ramos—”

“Can you stop saying my full name? I feel like I’m in trouble.”

“You are in trouble. You’re going to have to deal with me for the rest of your life.”

“Again, you aren’t asking anything!” I shouted back.

“I love you, Bee.”

Tears sprung unchecked down my face. “You’re crazy.”

“I am. I’m crazy about you.” He rose, his arm tucked against his side. His incredible blue eyes were either red-rimmed from the cold or from tears. “Marry me.”

I shook my head. “Still no question mark in there, Brooks. I’m not a foregone conclusion.” But I really was, and I was okay with it.

I’d never tell him that though.

He tossed the bullhorn at me and climbed down the ladder on the side of the truck.

I was too busy laughing as he stalked toward me. He went down on one knee and held his hand out for the megaphone.