Page 61 of Until Ireland

“You heard what I said,” I replied.

“Oh, I heard you, I just wanted to be sure I understood you,” Cobi snapped. “Of all the reckless, stupid ass shit she could pull. Does she understand what could’ve happened to her?”

“She does. She believed she was helping all of us. I don’t dispute the point, but she could’ve been hurt.”

“Or kidnapped,” Cobi muttered. “Do you have the photos?”

“I do.” I’d made her send me a set so I could pass them along. “Give me a second and I’ll forward them to you.”

“How many cars are there?” Cobi’s chair creaked.

“At least fifteen. They’re either on lifts inside the bays or parked, waiting to be sold,” I replied.

“We should be able to use the photos,” Cobi said. “An officer didn’t break in to take them. Plus, they were captured during regular business hours.”

“How do you explain them though?” I scratched my cheek. “If anyone finds out about Ireland being there after everything...”

“We’ll say a confidential informant delivered the photos to me,” Cobi said. “It’ll keep Ireland’s name out of the case.”

Relief filled me. “So, what do we do next?”

Cobi didn’t say anything for a minute. The silent tension slithered down my spine and settled low within me.

“How do you feel about buying another car?”

Dumbstruck, I sat there for a second then laughed. “I’ll do it, but it better not be my money you’re playing with.”

Cobi chuckled. “Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.”

“Then, let’s go.” If it meant closing Lux for good and making sure Edgar was brought to justice, I’d help any way I could.

“Excellent. I’ll put the team together and run it up the chain. The photos, along with your case and all the shit Ireland has been dealing with since she left Edgar should be enough to convince the chief we need to end this now,” Cobi stated.

“Just give me the heads up when you’re ready, and I’ll be there.” When the conversation was over with, I went in search of Ireland. She’d said something about fixing dinner, but it was late, and I had a feeling she’d want to get to work early. I called out to her and waited for a response. When I didn’t get one, I went to our room and found her curled up in the blankets, sound asleep.

A small grin tugged at my mouth as I crossed to her then climbed in beside her. In the morning, I’d take her to breakfast then I’d explain what would be happening next. Tucking her close to me, I inhaled the scent of her favorite peach shampoo and relaxed. I could have lost her today. Thank fuck I didn’t.

Placing a kiss to her neck, I contemplated everything we’d been through. What seemed like years had only been months. With all the tension and drama, I hoped when all of this was said and done, we’d have a quiet life together. She deserved peace. I could give her that bit of happiness, and I planned to prove as much every day of our lives.

The next morning, we were up and dressed as the sun crested the horizon, early for both of us, but then again, the stressfulness of the day before had us crashing earlier than I would’ve liked. I woke her with lazy caresses of my fingertips, and when she finally roused, I made love to the woman who would become my wife, sooner than not if I had my way. Grabbing the box out of the bedside table, I palmed it before heading downstairs where Ireland waited. I explained in the shower I was taking her out, and I meant it. But first...

I opened the box and placed it on the counter next to her before getting down on one knee. The sparkling two carat princess cut diamond was wrapped in a retro-style platinum band anchored by two emeralds on either side of the diamond. It was simple and elegant.

Like Ireland.

“What’s this?” Ireland stared at the ring, her eyes round with confusion. “Mack, is this what I think it is?”

“Tell me what you think it is, cupcake,” I murmured. Pride filled me.

“Are you proposing to me?” She grabbed the box and turned to me. “Mack, I—”

“You haven’t heard the best part yet,” I teased.

She gave me a skeptical look while popping her hip. “The best part?”

I nodded. “This is the part where I tell you how much I love you. How much I need you in my life, good or bad. And how ecstatic it would make me if you said yes to being my wife.”

“You’re not very good at proposals,” she muttered.

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