What a Bachelor Needs (Bachelor Auction Book 4)(34)
“Guilty. But I can do nights as well. And kitchens.”
“You leave our kitchen alone. That kitchen is beautiful.”
“You said ‘our’.”
“I did.”
“Marry me?”
“Ask me again in six months. On a mountain top. In Switzerland. And we’ll see.”
Chapter Ten
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Six months later, in Grey’s Saloon in Marietta The bar was crammed to overflowing and, for the first time in forever, Mardie couldn’t keep up with her drink orders. It might have been something to do with the huge flat-screen sports television that had been brought in especially for the event. It might have had something to do with the alpine ski races currently taking place in Lake Louise, Canada.
First thing tomorrow she and Claire were flying there, but for now she contented herself with watching the downhill skiing finals on the big screen. Jett was competing, and he was currently ranked sixth.
She hoped the photo she’d sent through of her and Claire and everyone else standing in front of the ‘No Fear. Go Jett.’ banner currently gracing the wall of Grey’s Saloon inspired him.
The past six months had been amazing. Jett’s attention had been steadfast, unswerving, and utterly illuminating.
She loved him.
Mardie’s parents had come to watch the race. Jett’s family was all here. Four brothers, his parents… Mardie had been met, judged, and overwhelmed with acceptance shortly after Jett had taken her to meet them.
Once upon a time she would have said she didn’t deserve that acceptance.
That was then.
These days she had a whole lot more confidence.
It was Jett’s turn to step up to the starting gate.
“Sit down and watch,” muttered Reese. “That’s an order.”
Well, okay then.
She crossed over to the tables where her family and Jett’s were sitting. She took Claire from Jett’s mother.
“Jett,” said Claire and looked towards the screen.
“I know, baby, he’s up next. See him? Look. Jett!” He was on-screen, looking focused and fit, his eyes hidden by goggles. Claire probably didn’t even recognize him in his racing gear. “We’re going to see him soon, as soon as this is finished. And then we’re going to go traveling.” She’d given her notice. She had tenants coming into her house on a six month lease. She was ready for anything.
Thirty seconds later Mardie was crammed into a chair and surrounded by bodies all crowding into her space and she felt utterly safe because they were all Jett’s people and hers. Electricity crackled and her heart was beating so fast she could barely sit still.
She wondered what Jett was feeling.
Anticipation. Exhilaration. Fearlessness.
He was good at that.
His heart, his ambitions, his plans for their future, he’d spread it all out in front of her and asked her to weigh in. No damn fear at all.
Something to aspire to.
Seth watched her from the farthest chair in the group and grinned. “Having fun yet?”
“How do you stand it?”
“It’s Jett. He loves this shit. Trust me, you’ll get used to loving it right along with him.”
“And when it stops?”
“He’s already found something else to love.”
“Me?”
“Kitchens.”
Mardie threw a nacho at him and Seth picked it up and ate it. A small girl watched him intently.
“Manners,” said Claire in exactly the same tone Mardie used. Six months on and her baby’s world view was changing, her vocabulary improving right along with her social skills. She had five grown men and one honorary Granddad Casey wrapped around her pigtails.
As for Jett’s mother…five sons and no grandchildren on the horizon made for a cornucopia of pink playthings that Serah Casey delighted in giving.
Best not to talk about the hair ribbon wars taking place between two grandmothers and four uncles.
Claire’s current ribbons were vivid pink with white snowflakes on them, courtesy of Serah.
Yesterday’s black and white skulls-and-crossbones had been Ry’s contribution.
And then Jett was out of the gate and racing, a vision of speed and elegance, and half the crowd was screaming their encouragement and Mardie was one of them.
He’d texted her last night while she’d been sleeping, and she’d woken to a wedding proposal.
It’s been six months and I still love you more than anything. Marry me.
She’d only had one word for him by way of an answer.
Yes.
She hadn’t heard from him since.
Patience.
Patience, love, and understanding. Their relationship was built on it.
Mardie had one eye on Jett and one eye on the clock on the screen. Don’t fall, don’t fall, the thought waged war with faster, faster.
And then it was done and Jett had won and the crowd erupted. Marietta’s favorite downhill racer had brought glory home again and she wished he was here to enjoy the celebration. He’d have so much fun.
Fun was important.
Mardie stayed, watching the screen as Jett skied to a halt and journalists swarmed around him. His helmet came off and a microphone was shoved in his face. He was breathless and panting, happy and smiling.