Chapter 22
Chapter twenty-two
Jasmine
Four Months Later
I jolt awake, the squeal of a microphone ripping me back to the present. The world snaps into place: rows of people, the hum of conversation, the heavy air of ceremony. My cheeks flame as I realize where I am.
I lean toward Brick, who’s perfectly at ease beside me. “How long was I out?”
“Thirty minutes,” he replies, deadpan, eyes still on the stage.
“Oh, no.” Guilt burns hot across my skin. “Did I miss it?”
Brick finally looks at me, lips twitching into a sly smile. “No.”
Relief loosens my shoulders. “He’d bite my head off if I fall asleep during his big moment.”
Brick shrugs, feigning nonchalance. “Or maybe he just won’t show you his surprise.”
My head snaps toward him. “What surprise?”
Brick’s face drains. He looks like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar. “I—I didn’t mean surprise. It’s nothing.”
I narrow my eyes, using my best Riley-inspired “mom” glare. “Say what, Brick?”
His mouth opens, but before he can answer, a sharp shush cuts through the row. The woman in front of us glares like she’s auditioning for Wicked Witch. Brick and I exchange a wide-eyed look before collapsing into silent laughter.
Onstage, the ceremony continues. Officers stand in crisp lines, caps tucked under their arms, faces solemn as medals are pinned and commendations read aloud. And then my gaze finds him.
Asher.
Tall, steady, eyes fixed straight ahead. My chest swells, pride and affection rushing together until it’s almost too much to hold. Four months ago, he was flat on a hospital bed, bruised but unbroken. Tonight, he’s being honored for bringing Harold Swanson down. Late, maybe, but well deserved.
And me? I never thought I’d care about a ceremony like this. Never thought I’d admire the badge. But watching Asher, I realize my cynicism has softened. There are bad cops, yes. But there are also lots more men and women like him—fighting to make something better, even if it feels impossible.
The applause rises again, and soon the ceremony winds down. One by one, people filter out until the hall begins to empty. My pulse quickens as Asher steps off the stage and makes his way toward us, cap still under his arm. With one arm around Brick, he smiles “that” smile that makes my knees weak.
“I bet you felt invincible up there,” I tease.
“You bet I did.”
“And I suppose you’d like me to respect you now, Sheriff Vaughn? Or is there a more radiant title I need to be using?”
He grins, slips his arm around my waist, and draws me close enough for his cologne to warm my senses. “You can still call me Sheriff… but only if it comes with a kiss.”
My heart flips. He leans in, and when our lips meet, the whole world vanishes in a rush of heat and relief.
“Oh, guys, can we get out of here already? People are staring,” Brick mutters behind us, breaking the spell. We laugh, and the three of us head out together, his grumbling footsteps trailing ours.
Outside, the sun blazes hot across my face as we cross the lot. “So, Deputy Vaughn—”
He arches a brow.
“Fine. Sheriff Vaughn,” I correct with mock severity. “How are we celebrating your commendation?”
He strokes his chin like he’s pondering a weighty matter. “Maybe a little diner on Brime Street. Starts with an “S”, I think?”
I elbow him. “You think you’re hilarious.”
“Hilarious and handsome. Tough combo to beat.”
We climb into the car, teasing back and forth as the road unfurls before us, the wind pulling through my hair. Brick stays suspiciously quiet in the backseat, chewing on a secret I can practically see pressing against his lips.
And then we pull into the diner lot, and it all clicks. Rose petals on the pavement. Lights glowing oddly warm through the windows. My heart stutters.
“Shall we?” Asher asks, holding the door.
Inside, the world blooms into color. More rose petals are scattered across the floor. Strings of lights draped along the walls. And at the center, a glowing sign: WILL YOU MARRY ME?
I spin toward him, and he’s already on one knee, uniform pressed, cap at his side. The velvet box in his hand glints as he flips it open, revealing a ring that takes my breath.
Brick’s grin could light the whole room.
“Oh, my heavens,” I whisper, covering my mouth as tears sting my eyes.
Asher’s voice is steady but threaded with emotion.
“After my first wife passed, I didn’t think I’d ever find love again.
They say you only meet your soulmate once.
I never dreamed I’d be lucky enough to have two.
But here we are. Our beginning is one of my favorite stories—and one we’ll tell our kids someday. That is… if you’ll marry me.”
His eyes shine. “Jasmine Wallace, will you marry me?”
There’s never been a question. “Yes,” I breathe, the word bursting out on a laugh-sob.
Brick claps, practically bouncing, as Asher slips the ring onto my finger and rises to kiss me, long and sure. Brick wedges himself between us in a hug, and somehow, it’s perfect.
As I close my eyes, I realize I was wrong earlier in the car. It can get better. And it just did.