Page 57 of Before the Storm
“Of course.” She lifted the lid and gasped. “Oh my God. Phoenix Louis Snow. What the hell is this?”
“You know my middle name. But I’m not sure I like the way you used it as if you’re mad or something.” He lifted the ring from the box and glided it on her finger. “For the record, it’s an engagement ring.”
“I know what it is. Where did it come from?” She held up her hand and wiggled her fingers.
“It was my Nana’s.”
She narrowed her eyes.
He laughed. “Not Grammy. It belonged to my mother’s mom and my mom snuck it in here a little bit ago.”
“Excuse me? They all knew you were okay and let me?—”
“Sweetheart. Don’t be mad at them. I texted my parents and asked them not to tell you right away so I could get the ring. I wanted to propose but now I realize I haven’t even done that yet.”
“No. You haven’t.” She cocked her head.
“Janelle. Will you marry me?”
“Of course I will.” She leaned forward and kissed him, thankfully without crushing his chest.
Cheers erupted from the hallway.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” She buried her face in his neck. “Is everyone out there?”
“Yup,” he said.
“And we got it on video. The whole thing,” Nelson’s voice echoed in the background. “Phoenix, we’re going to be busting your ass for that proposal for the rest of your life.”
He cupped her face. “Was it that bad?”
“Pathetic. Like I can’t believe I said yes, pathetic.”
“Just wait. You get to take care of me for the next month.” He arched a brow.
“That’s a storm I’m sure I can weather.”
13
ONE YEAR LATER…
Janelle leaned against the railing, watching the sunset. It was still the most magical thing she ever saw, next to being married.
“Hey, sweetheart.” Phoenix strolled across the deck carrying a bottle of wine and two glasses. “How was your day off?” He set them on the small table.
“Interesting.” She turned, giving her husband of six months a big hug and kiss. “Everything good at the restaurant?”
“Easy day. No drama. No complaints. A good start to the season.” He took her by the hand. “What did you do today?’
“I took Ashley to school. Spent a little time with Cole and Lilly. Had lunch with your mom and we got our nails done. And then I went to the doctor.”
He jerked his head. “Is everything okay?”
“You might want a big glass of wine and be sitting down for this.”
“That means I should stand.” He poured a healthy glass and handed it to her.
“No. I’ll pass.”
