Page 17 of Dax (Big Hot Alphas 1)

“Those are some awfully big plans, son,” Ian says. “Especially coming from someone who barely knows her.”

“You don’t know what we have.”

He runs his tongue over his teeth.

“Fine. I’ll bite,” Ian says. “Whatdoyou have with my daughter?”

“We have a connection that goes soul-deep. We have the kind of love for each other that not everyone is lucky enough to experience in life. And Idoknow her. I know her hopes and dreams. I know her favorite childhood memories. I know what her subtlest expressions mean. You really want to know how serious I am about your daughter, Ian? Here. Here’s how serious I am.” I shove a hand deep into my pocket and pull out the small wooden ring box, the tiniest damn thing I’ve ever made.

Surprise floods Ian’s face as he gazes down at the box in my hand.

“You’re planning on proposing to my daughter?”

“I am. And nothing’s going to stop me from asking her. But it would mean a hell of a lot if you approved of it before I pop the question.”

Ian laughs and shakes his head. He rubs the back of his neck for so long that I almost can’t fucking take it.

“I can’t believe I’m about to say this,” he finally says. “But I give you my blessing.”

I hear a gasp and look over my shoulder. I glimpse Bailey and her mom spying on us from the other side of the screen door. As soon as they’re caught, they quickly move out of sight.

“Bailey,” I call out.

She replies without showing her face, innocently calling out, “Uh huh?”

“Come out here, please. Alice, you too.”

Slowly, Bailey reappears, slides open the screen door, and comes out. Alice comes out, too, and walks over to Ian.

As Bailey walks up to me, she gives me a sheepish smile.

“I’m sorry for eavesdropping,” she says.

“I forgive you,” I say, smiling down at her. And then, in front of her parents, in front of all the stars out tonight, I get down on one knee in front of my girl.

“Bailey, sweetheart,” I say, “I know we only met a few weeks ago. But it feels like I’ve been waiting for you my whole life. You are everything.Everything. And my life isn’t complete without you. Will you marry me? Will you be my wife?”

Bailey’s eyes fill with tears and she bites back a smile. “I’d love nothing more.”

Chapter Seven

Bailey

I’m filled with giddiness as Dax and I head up the hill to his cabin that night. I can’t believe we’reengagednow.

At the same time, nothing has ever felt more meant to be.

When we get to Dax’s cabin, he opens the front door, sweeps me up into his arms, and carries me inside. I wrap my arms around his neck and marvel for the millionth time at how strong he is.

I know he’ll always take care of me. Always protect me. Always be my rock.

Dax carries me past Bear, who’s sound asleep on his dog bed. I giggle against Dax’s chest when Bear lets out a little snore. Dax holds tightly onto me as he carries me upstairs and brings me into his bedroom, where he lays me down on his huge bed. As I gaze up at him and his massive stature, intense desire for him surges through me.

“Close your eyes for a minute, sweetness,” he says.

“What if I don’t want to?” I say with a smirk.

“You’ll like it. Come on.”

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