Page 90 of Defending Love

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A dusting of snow fell beyond the windows of the famous Indianapolis steakhouse as the waiter delivered the bottle of the restaurant’s finest cabernet sauvignon. The dancing flame from the candle in the middle of our table reflected in Eli’s emerald gaze.

“1882 Rutherford,” the waiter said, showing us the label.

“The lady is the wine expert,” Eli replied. “She can have the first taste.”

After pouring a small amount into the glass, the waiter handed it to me.

Holding the slender stem, I swirled the dark-red liquid. Legs formed inside the glass globe. I inhaled the fruity bouquet with hints of tobacco and mint. The back of my throat pinched as the rich flavor hit my taste buds. “Excellent.”

The waiter added more to my glass and added a pour to Eli’s glass.

As our waiter walked away, my lips curled. “Drinking alcohol on the job. You are a rule breaker.”

“I’m officially off the clock.” He lifted his glass. “To spending the rest of our lives breaking the rules.”

Our glasses clinked.

Tonight was the date Eli promised me months ago. While we’d had the opportunity to have multiple dates, this one was special. Over the last few months, Eli resigned from Guardian Security and took a job with a local Indianapolis pharmaceutical company, Sinclair. Elijah Rhodes was now the director of security.

After we both took a sip, Eli met my gaze. “I’m serious, Dani. The rest of our lives.” He pulled a small velvet box from his magic suit coat pocket.

Tears prickled my eyes, threatening to ruin my makeup as he opened the lid, revealing a large round diamond on a platinum band. “Eli?”

I watched, as if in slow motion, as this giant of a man moved from the chair.

All around us, the diners quieted as whispers of oohs and aahs filled the air. As if covered in a frosted veil, the room disappeared when Eli fell to one knee.

“I hope you don’t think this is too soon.” His deep voice resonated. “I refuse to wait to live the life we’ve planned. I love you, Dani. I’ll protect you, love you, and defend you until my last breath. Will you do me the honor of marrying me?”

The dining room held a collective breath as I nodded and attempted to form words. “Yes, I’ll marry you.” As I reached for Eli’s smooth cheeks and pulled his lips to mine, the room erupted in applause.

“I love you, too,” I whispered.

Eli slid the ring on the fourth finger of my left hand. “I was going to drop it in your wine glass but thought better of that.”

Splaying my fingers, I looked down at the sparkling diamond. “I don’t think I’m allergic to diamonds.”

His lips quirked as he took the seat across the table and offered me his hand. Our fingers intertwined. “I wasn’t willing to take the chance, but I do have the EpiPen if needed.”

Throughout the evening, well-meaning patrons came by, offering us their congratulations. As we asked for our check, we were informed that our bill was already paid. When the waiter pointed out the benefactors, Eli and I shook our heads with a scoff.

Damien and Ella waved us toward them.

“There’s a speakeasy upstairs,” Damien said with a wink as Ella hugged me and whispered congratulations. “Drinks are on me.”

The four of us went up the stairs. The room was filled with groupings of soft sofas and cozy chairs. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and a large mahogany bar lined one side of the room. Soft jazz music played from unseen speakers. We went to a grouping marked reserved.

“How did you know where we’d be?” I asked.

My brother winked. “Eli’s not the only one who can learn secrets.”

When I looked at my fiancé, he grinned. “I may have asked Marsha’s permission to marry you. I also didn’t swear her to secrecy.”

“I hope you don’t mind us crashing your evening,” Damien said. “Ella and I couldn’t pass up the chance to hear your answer. After all, you were there for both of our weddings.”

“Both?” Eli asked with a quirk of his eyebrow.

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