Much Ado About You(81)

Then . . .

“Evangeline Starling”—Roane’s deep voice seemed to fill the whole place—“people will always say this is too soon. That we would be mad to do this. But from the moment you saved my dog, I have been yours. Days that were filled with only work and friendship have become days filled only with hours that I count until I can see you again.”

Oh my God. Tears filled my eyes.

“I know, the way the trees know they’re rooted to the ground, that I’m rooted to you. That no matter your answer here this evening, I am yours until I’m nothing but dust in the wind. Maybe even then.” His eyes burned with all the love I couldn’t believe was for me, and he snapped open the box to reveal a stunning teardrop diamond engagement ring. The white gold band glittered with tiny inset diamonds, and the teardrop itself was significant.

It was beautiful.

And he wanted me to have it.

My vision blurred as I looked up from the ring to stare into Roane’s face. A face I loved more than any other.

Marrying him would mean leaving my life in Chicago behind for good, but hadn’t I already decided I was going to do that as soon as Roane admitted he loved me? But marriage? Marriage was permanent.

“I’m yours, Evie,” he said softly. “Forget time, forget everyone else and what they think. What do you want? Because I want you to be mine, as I am yours. Will you marry me?”

It wasn’t that I didn’t want forever with Roane. I did. I’d known that from that first day we made love, maybe even before then. Yet I had to know for certain whether I could leave Greer, Phil, and Mom behind.

They are important to me, but they have their own lives. It’s time for me to start mine.

With that last thought ringing in my head, I laughed in disbelief and joy and he blinked as if he didn’t quite know what to make of my reaction. Afraid he’d take it the wrong way, I launched myself into his arms, peppering his face with kisses. “I’ve been yours from day one,” I promised him, leaning back to meet his gaze, his beard tickling my palms as I held him. “Roane, I’m yours. I always will be.”

He heaved out a shaky exhalation, his smile slow and relieved. “That’s a yes then?”

I gave him a huge grin, so huge my cheeks hurt. Everything inside me felt too much, like I might just burst apart from all the feelings that were too big for one person to contain. “That’s the biggest yes of my life.”

Roane kissed me, hard, no finesse, kissing my cheeks and chin and nose and making me laugh as hollers and shouts of celebration sounded all around us.

I giggled as he finally let me up for air to put the ring on my finger.

“It’s beautiful,” I whispered against his lips. “It’s perfect.”

“You’re perfect,” he murmured, kissing me again.

“That’s enough. Let her up.” Milly’s voice cut through. “Let us congratulate you.”

Roane’s expression fell for some reason, and I swore I saw anxiety flicker in his eyes as he whispered hurriedly, “Evie, there’s something we need to talk about.”

A muffled, animalistic roar made me jolt in surprise, and as one the entire pub looked up at the ceiling.

“Dad!” We heard Viola’s muted shriek.

My gaze shot to Milly, who paled and started walking away from us toward the bar.

Feet pounding down the stairs halted her, and Roane and I slowly stood as Viola’s shouts were overwhelmed by Dex’s angry yelling.

Soon enough we knew why, as Lucas appeared out of the staff only door still pulling on his shirt. His back was turned toward us, and his hands were held up in defense as Dex followed him out.

Holding a shotgun.

“Where did he get that?” I squeaked.

“It’ll be Milly’s father’s.” Roane’s voice was tight as he gently pressed me back. “Stay here.” He didn’t, however, stay. He cautiously started walking toward Milly, who was frozen in place with shock.

As was every single patron there.

“Dad!” Viola crashed into the room, her clothes askew, her face flushed, and her hair rumpled.

Oh dear.

Things were becoming clear.

“Vi, get out of here,” Lucas demanded.

“Don’t you talk to her.” Dex waved the gun. “Don’t you even look at her. I see you here again and I will fucking kill you.”

Dex was a pretty laid-back guy. I’d never seen him pissed, let alone enraged.

“Dad, no!” Viola forced herself between them, struggling against Lucas, who was determinedly trying to get her out of the way.

“Will you lower the fucking gun off her!” Lucas yelled at Dex as Viola stubbornly fought to remain between them.

“You leave and I won’t have to bother with the gun.”

“Dex,” Milly called out quietly. “Dex, put away the gun.”

“Not until he promises to never see Viola again,” Dex demanded, eyes narrowed on Lucas.

Viola’s eyes flashed with fury. “I expected this of his dad, not mine!”

Dex faltered. “Vi—”

“I love him! If he goes, I go!” She turned to him, all tortured young love, and if I weren’t already swooning over Roane’s proposal, I would have swooned over this scene. “I love you, Lucas.”