Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79597 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79597 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
“She never let on.”
“I know. We work well together.”
The door to the bar opening and a voice calling out startled us, and I turned, meeting the amused gaze of Brett. He was grinning widely. “Someone told me there was a party going on!” he yelled. “Celebrations were happening!”
A moment later, I was engulfed in a bear hug, and Hannah was lifted off her feet and twirled. Kelly watched, amused, giving me a far less hard hug. “Congratulations, Chase.”
“What are you doing here?” I asked. “You’re not due back for a couple of weeks.”
“And miss my boy getting engaged? When you called and told me you were asking Hannah tonight, I knew I had to come.”
I clapped his shoulder. “Thanks, Brett.”
He chuckled. “I was there when you fell in love with Occifer Cinnamon, remember? Your dream girl?” He pointed to the back. “Right out there. Inebriated or not, you were smitten.”
I glanced at Hannah and winked. “Still am.”
Hannah slipped her arm around me. “Inebriated or smitten?”
I kissed the end of her nose. “Drunk on love. Your love.”
She beamed. “Good answer.”
I woke up, the stillness of the morning surrounding me. Hannah was beside me, but she wasn’t asleep. Her head was on my chest, but her arm was raised and she was moving her hand in that way women did to catch the light on their rings. Hers caught it easily and sparkled brightly, casting a shower of light on the opposite wall. She giggled softly, enjoying herself. I tightened my arm, and she glanced up at me. “Hi,” she whispered.
“Having fun?”
“It’s so pretty, Chase. I love it. I can’t believe you bought it weeks ago.”
“I saw it in the jeweler’s window. You and your mom had been looking in a magazine, talking about some ring styles of celebrities. You mentioned this sort of ring. I went in and bought it.”
“It’s perfect.”
I trailed a finger down her cheek. “When do you want to get married, Hannah?”
“The sooner, the better.”
I bent and kissed her. “I like the sound of that. Where and when?”
“I love the little church in Littleburn. There’s a hall attached. We could rent it and get married there and have a party. I mean, we’re not religious, but I’d like that. And the stained glass is so pretty for pictures. I was hoping Kelly could take them.”
“I’m sure she would if we asked. I like that idea. We’ll go talk to them.” I paused. “I have another question to ask you, Hannah.”
She sat up and faced me. “This sounds serious. I’ll sign a prenup if you want—you don’t have to ask.”
I sat up as well and shook my head. “No prenup. I don’t care about that. This is far more personal and important.”
She shifted closer, taking my hand. “Okay.”
“I want to take your last name instead of you taking mine.”
She blinked. “Really?”
“I hate the constant explaining associated with Donner. It upsets me when the first impression someone has meeting me is that I’m from bad stock. I don’t want to deal with it anymore, and I certainly don’t want you to either. Or our kids. I looked into it, and I can change my last name as easily as you can change yours.” I swallowed. “I asked your mom last night. She was okay with it. In fact, she got a little emotional thinking we would carry on the Gallagher name with our kids. She said your dad would have approved.”
“Chase Gallagher,” she said softly. “I like it.”
“Me too.”
“I would love for you to take my name, Chase. And you keep saying kids. How many are you wanting?”
I grinned. “As many as you’ll give me, Cinnamon. A bunch of freckle-faced little rug rats running around would be awesome.” I looked around. “We’ll need a bigger house, though.”
She laughed. “How about we start with one?”
I pulled her onto my lap. “How about we start practicing?”
She wrapped her arms around my neck. “Yes.”
Later that afternoon, we sat on the deck, surrounded by friends. Burgers were grilling on the barbecue, corn was roasting. The little ones were kicking a ball around, Theo, as usual, sticking close to where Vivvy was. Protecting her. Thomas was far more interested in getting the ball past Mack. Kelly was taking photos.
“So, Chase Gallagher,” Charly mused. “I like it.” She’d been a little emotional today, generous with her hugs, effusive in her happiness. Every time she looked at Hannah and me, her eyes became bright. She stayed close to Maxx, her hands wrapped around his. He knew she was feeling all of this deeply, and he pressed kisses to her head and teased her gently about her “boy” growing up. I was lucky to have them in my life. To have their support and love.
“Me too.”
“You know you’re not like Wes,” she pointed out. “You’ve left that far behind you.”