Noah’s chest tightened as he stared down at her. Slowly, his mind circled back to her question. What did he want her to do? He thought of the ring upstairs, the one he hoped to someday see on her finger.
His shoulders relaxed slightly. “We could get a dog.”
“What?”
“We could get a dog. Walking a dog is a good way to exercise,” he told her. “We could go pick one out together.”
Clearly baffled, she stared up at him. “Noah, I just told you I’m moving in six weeks. I’m going overseas.”
“I don’t want you to go. I want you to stay here.” He took a breath and let his heart guide him. “I want you to marry me.”
Her jaw dropped open. She stared at him, stunned, unable to form words.
He took her hands in his, his voice now gentle. “Kelsey, I love you. I don’t want to wait two years to start a life together. I want to start our life now.” He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers in a sweet, gentle kiss. “Please say you’ll marry me.”
Hope and panic shone in her eyes. “I don’t think you’ve thought this through.”
“I have thought it through. I had planned to give you more time before I asked, but I don’t have that option anymore.” He gave her hands a gentle squeeze. “Think about it. Pray about it. I want to spend forever with you.”
He saw the conflicting emotions on her face, as though she wasn’t quite sure whether she could trust his words. Before she could say anything, he stepped back. “Wait right here.”
Noah turned and raced back up the stairs. He returned a moment later, his mother’s ring in his hand. “This ring was my mother’s and her grandmother’s before her. I want you to have it.” He took her hand, his eyes intensely focused on hers. “If you really want to work overseas, I’ll take a leave of absence. We can travel together.”
Her voice was only a whisper. “I don’t want to live this life anymore. I’ve just never had a reason to leave it.”
Hope leapt in his heart. “You would really quit your job for me?”
“No.” Kelsey shook her head. “I would leave it for us.”
“Then you’ll marry me?” Noah asked, warmth spreading through him. He stared down at her, praying that all of his dreams were really coming true. “Please say you’ll be my family.”
Tears threatened in her eyes, and a smile slowly bloomed on her face. “I’ve never wanted anything more.”
He lifted her left hand and slipped the ring onto her finger. Then he gathered her in his arms and kissed her once more. Excitedly, he motioned to his living room. “Come on. Let’s go call Mom.”
She laughed. “Should I be worried that you already call my mother ‘Mom’?”
“Not at all.” He shook his head, mischief lighting his eyes. “Now about that dog . . .”
About the Author
Originally from Arizona, Traci Hunter Abramson has spent most of her adult life living in Virginia. She is a graduate of Brigham Young University and a former employee of the Central Intelligence Agency. She enjoys writing what she knows and considers it a bonus when her research includes travel and attending sporting or cultural events.
Since leaving the CIA, Traci has written several novels, including the Undercurrents trilogy, Obsession, the Royal series, and the Saint Squad series.
When she’s not writing, Traci enjoys spending time with her husband and four children. She also enjoys coaching North Stafford High School’s swim team.
Other Books By Traci Abramson
Under Currents
Ripple Effect
The Deep End
Royal Target
Freefall
Lockdown
Crossfire
Backlash
Smoke Screen
Obsession
Royal Secrets
Code Word
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