Page 118 of The Way We Win

My lip pokes out in a pout. “Does this mean we’re not engaged?”

“No,” he answers fast. “It means, I’m coming back with a ring, but we’re engaged. You already said yes.”

“You bet your ass I did.” My palms flatten against his chest as my pout gives way to a big-assed teary smile. “You proposed to me, Jack Bradford, and there’s no way in hell I’m letting you take it back.”

“No way I ever would.” Large hands cup my cheeks. “You belong to me.”

He covers my mouth with his, parting my lips and claiming my tongue. Claiming me like he always has, even when it was only in my dreams.

“I’ve madea special breakfast for the heroes.” Dylan walks out with a tray on her shoulder holding plates of what look like omelettes and hash browns.

“I feel like I should be helping.” Instead, for the first time at Cooters & Shooters, I’m sitting at the table at Jack’s side with his arm around my shoulders and my hand in my son’s.

As soon as I walked in and saw Austin, we rushed together for a long, tearful hug. My sweet son squeezed me sotight, then he stood me back, looking all over to be sure I was okay. I couldn’t stop the tears as I reassured him we were safe. It was over.

“Wait.” Hendrix holds up a hand. “Did you cook this?”

“Don’t worry, I was right there with her the whole time.” Craig walks out, also carrying a tray laden with plates.

“Rude.” Dylan pokes her tongue out at her brother. “Craig made sure I only used the same boring ingredients we always use.”

“I was also there supervising.” Raven is behind them with another tray. “We really have a big group when we’re all together.”

“I hope you made enough for one more!” Garrett’s loud voice echoes from the doorway, and he walks in holding a squirmy Gigi, with Liv on his arm.

The minute Haddy sees her little cousin, she starts fussing and reaching from where she sits on Hendrix’s leg at the table.

I smile watching them all, and my stomach keeps squeezing with all the emotions swirling inside me. I’m here. Rip is gone.

Most of all, I’m going to be a Bradford.

I squeeze Austin’s hand. He is, too.

“We’ve got our special Eggs Florentine,” Craig explains, putting a plate in front of me. “Which I know happens to be Allie’s favorite.”

“How did you know that?” I grin, looking up at him.

“I pay attention.” He arches an eyebrow, glancing at Jack’s hand on my leg. “I’m also thinking my boyfriend might be getting a call soon about planning another wedding.”

Austin inhales sharply, leaning into my ear. “Did he finally ask you?”

I blink at him, confused. “How did you…”

“We talked about it.”

My lips part, and as hard as I try, I can’t keep the smile off my face. “Is that okay?” I whisper back.

A smile breaks across his face, and he nods. “Definitely.”

I shrug at Craig, playing it coy. “You never know what the future holds!”

“Uh-huh…” Craig bumps me with his hip as he puts a plate holding a light-yellow roll filled with tomato, bell pepper, red pepper, black olives, spinach, and feta cheese. “One loaded Mediterranean omelette for Coach Jack.”

I’ve made so many of these working in the kitchen, and they are delicious. I also happen to know it’s Jack’s favorite.

“Thanks, Craig.” Jack’s low voice tickles my stomach, and I want to lean over and kiss his cheek.

Kimmie walks up between us, climbing onto his lap instead. “Daddy’s a hero.” A wobble is in her voice, and she puts her arms around his neck. “He rescued Miss Allie, but it hurt his hands and shoulder.”

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