Page 97 of Second Chance with the Enemy CEO
Ilean in, smirking. “That was some speech up there.”
He chuckles. “Yeah? Impressed?”
“Well," I tease, “you might need a bit more practice before you get there, Callahan.”
A soft laugh rumbles from him. He lifts my hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to my knuckles. “Good thing I’ve got the best speech prepared.”
“Oh?” I arch a brow. “I’ll be the judge of that.”
He just smiles at the crowd around us fading into the background.
****
The campaign and fun activities went on till evening. After the crowd thins and the energy fades into a hum, Liam nudges me gently.
“Come with me.”
The night air is crisp as we drive out to the lakeside, one of the most beautiful places in Autumn Cove. The water glistens under the moonlight, gentle waves lapping at the shore.
I step out first, taking in the quiet. It feels like we are the only two people in the world.
Liam comes up behind me, sliding his arms around my waist and pulling me against him.
We stay like that for a moment, breathing in sync.
Then his voice rumbles softly against my ear. “So,… Now that the campaign’s over, are you heading back?”
I sigh, leaning into him. “Yeah. I have to. My life for the past five years is there - my job, my house, my clients. Everything is back there.”
I turn in his arms, looking up at him. “But…” My voice softens. “My heart is here. In Autumn Cove.”
His eyes darken, and he brushes a strand of hair from my face.
“Haze,” he says, voice rough with emotion. “I do not want to waste another second pretending I’m okay with you leaving. I am not. And I will not be.”
He lets out a breath as if steadying himself.
“I love you. I love everything about you. And if you decide to go back, I’ll go with you.”
My eyes widened. “Liam, what about your company? Your team?”
He grins slightly. “Have you forgotten? I am the boss. I can work from anywhere. Besides, I have been thinking about expanding - opening another branch in a new city. Wherever you are, it seems perfect. As for the team, the coach and I will figure something out.”
I open my mouth to argue, but he cuts me off, voice firmer now.
“No ‘buts’! Home is wherever you are. Happiness is wherever you are. I just want to be with you, Hazel. So…”
He steps back slightly, reaching into his jacket pocket. My breath catches.
Slowly, he drops to one knee.
Oh my God.
“Hazel McKee,” he says, eyes locked on mine. “Marry me. Let me love you, cherish you, for the rest of my life. Let me call you mine. Forever.”
The world tilts, and I can barely breathe.
“I am not just asking. I am pleading. Say yes. Please.”
