“The ring Uncle Sean got you,” he whispered in her ear and chased after his sister.

Ring? She looked at the porch as she stood. Her gaze met Sean’s and her heart leaped in her chest. He came toward her and the rest of their family and friends poured from the house to fill the porch. The kids had popsicles in their hands and the adults held margarita glasses. Sugar and Alcohol. Quite the party.

She was more interested in the man approaching her. His smile was wide if a little tentative. He usually swept her off her feet, quite literally, when she arrived home from a work assignment. Something else was definitely up tonight. And she was anxious to hear more about this ring.

“Having a party without me?” she teased him.

“That was supposed to be for after,” he said, reaching her.

“After what?” she managed to say. She could barely breathe, let alone speak.

“After you said yes.” His smile dipped slightly. “If you said yes.”

“What was the question?” She knew he loved her. He’d told her often enough in the past year but putting his emotions out there was still tough for him. Now, with an audience, he was actually blushing.

“I was planning on doing this part without everyone’s eyes on us, but here goes.” He was laughing as he dropped to one knee and took her hands in his. “Good thing I practiced,” he muttered before clearing his throat and speaking loudly enough for all to hear. “Julia Hart, you’ve captivated me since the moment I met you. You’re unlike anyone I’ve ever known.” His mouth tugged up at the corner. “And yeah, you make me crazy sometimes, but that’s part of what makes you so damn special. I tried to keep things professional between us, but my heart wouldn’t listen. I fell for you, Julia. Hard. I love you for the way you protect and care for others. I love you because you brought me back to life. Most of all, I love you because you’re you—wonderful, talented, beautiful—you.”

“Way to go, bro,” Owen called from the porch amongst giggles.

Sean never took his eyes from hers. “Julia, will you marry me?”

“Yes!” She shouted and tugged him off of his knees. He wrapped his arms around her and swept her into a long kiss that went on until cheering and whistling from the porch interrupted them. “Can I see the ring now? I have it on good authority that it’s sparkly.”

“It’s definitely that. I had help picking it out.” He pulled a jewelry box from his pocket and flipped it open.

Julia gasped. The round cut diamond was surrounded by smaller stones in a platinum setting. Even in the fading light, it sparkled. She held out her left hand for him to slip the ring on. Once he did, he kissed her again, but soon they were surrounded by well-wishers.

The kids danced around them, the adults gave their congratulations along with hugs, and they all headed inside for cake.

Sean put his arm around her shoulders and held her back, stealing a few seconds for them to be alone. “We’ll celebrate privately later,” he said softly and kissed her temple.

“We’ll celebrate every day for the rest of our lives,” she whispered back.

Source: www.seynovel.com