Chapter 39 #2
“And then I said, ‘Only propose to me if you mean it. And I’ll expect you to drop to a knee or the answer will be no.’ That ringing any bells?”
A smile that felt like it stretched from ear to ear formed on her face. He was proposing…rather, she was. And this, his way of doing it, was perfect for them. She dropped to her knees and lifted her face up.
“Dr. Ryan Palmer, would you make me the happiest woman in the world and marry me?”
He dropped down in front of her. “Matti Colton, there is nothing more I’d rather do.” He pulled a small black-velvet box from his pocket, lifted it for her to see, and opened the lid.
She gasped. The white-gold ring with an emerald cut diamond and two smaller diamonds on each side of it was beautiful, one she would have chosen.
“If you don’t like it, we can—”
“No, I’m keeping it. It’s beautiful, Ryan.” She held up her hand. “Put it on me.”
“All right, then.” He grinned. “I love you, Matti,” he said as he slid the ring on. “I wasn’t looking for you, but I’m damned glad I found you.”
“I love you, too, and you finding me is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
They kissed, they drank champagne, and they ate the Danishes. And then they went to dinner.
As Ryan drove them to the restaurant, she couldn’t stop looking at the ring on her finger. Getting married hadn’t been on her radar. Adopting a son hadn’t been either. But sometimes, the best things happened when you weren’t expecting it.
Sam’s adoption was proceeding without a hitch and appeared that it would be official faster than usual for these things.
Her job working with foster children and families certainly helped, as did the stable home she and Ryan were offering.
And Kelly, she was a rock star, staying on the adoption every step of the way.
Actually, Matti suspected the adoption agency would be happy to see the last of Kelly and her follow-up phone calls and visits.
Soon, she and Ryan would be married, have a son with their last name, and live a life she hadn’t thought to dream about. Life was good. So damn good.
When they arrived at the restaurant and walked into The Eatery, Ryan said, “The Palmer party?”
Huh? What party?
“Follow me,” the hostess said.
They did, and she led them through the restaurant to a room Matti didn’t know existed.
And when they entered, almost every person she knew was there.
Sam, her family, every single one of them, even Dylan.
And there was Jules, standing with Cal. She liked Jules and wanted to get to know her better. Oh, Teddy was here, too.
“She said yes!” Ryan shouted.
The room erupted in cheers, and she lifted her brows at Ryan. “Well, technically, you’re the one who said yes.”
“I certainly did.”
Sam ran to them. “I’m so happy. You’re going to marry us.”
“Us?”
“Me and Doc.”
She laughed. “I sure am.”
“It was a secret, and I couldn’t tell you. It was so hard.”
So that was what all the giggling and secret phone calls were about. “Well, you’re a good secret keeper, aren’t you?”
“Yes!”
Her mother and father came over. Her mother leaned over and whispered in her ear. “Glad you took my advice and dressed up. You look lovely, Matilda.”
“Beautiful, I’d say,” Ryan said, putting his hand on her lower back.
She beamed up at him. She did feel beautiful tonight.
“Congratulations,” Ted said, joining them. “When’s the wedding?”
“We haven’t set a date yet, but soon,” Ryan said.
“Make sure I get an invitation.”
“Of course,” she said. “You’re my brother, Teddy.” An honorary brother, but a part of the family.
“Damn right I am.” He glanced down. “And this must be Sam the Man.” He held out his hand, which Sam stared at.
Ryan took Sam’s hand and put it in Ted’s. “This is our mayor, and he wants to shake your hand.”
“Why?” Sam’s gaze lifted up to Ted’s.
“Because you’re the man of the hour,” Ted said.
Sam looked up at Ryan. “Is that good?”
“Sure is.”
“Cute boy,” Ted said after letting go of Sam’s hand.
“I’m sorry I can’t stay, but I had a prior meeting I couldn’t cancel.
Just wanted to tell you I’m happy for you, Matti.
” He turned to Ryan. “You make her happy, or I’ll have to beat you up or something.
” He scratched his head. “Isn’t that what brothers do? ”
She grinned at Ryan. “And there are five of them counting Teddy keeping an eye on you, so you’d best keep me happy, mister.”
“Maybe I should rethink this engagement.” He winked. “Just kidding. For you, I’ll risk the wrath of all your manly man brothers. Not that I’m worried because I mean to keep you happy for as long as you’ll have me.”
“That will be forever.” Although she’d fought hard to resist him, she couldn’t imagine her life without him.
Suddenly, they were surrounded by family, everyone shouting congratulations, and her brothers messing with Ryan, tossing out threats and warnings that his body would never be found if he made her cry.
“Let me see that ring,” her mother said, pushing to Matti’s side and grabbing her hand. “Oh, that’s beautiful, Ryan. You did good.”
While her family and friends gushed over her ring, Ryan kissed her, and all the people circling them faded away and it was just her and him.
Until Sam said, “Gross. Are you gonna kiss her all the time now?”
Ryan grinned. “Yup. Every single day.” His eyes locked on hers. “That’s what a man does when he’s in love.”
Matti put her hand over her melting heart and sighed.
* * * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from Legacy of Justice by Kenna Scott.