Noah (The Mitchell/Healy Family #1)(77)
Author: Jennifer Foor

We were in this small patch of woods, completely alone. “Because. Just come with me.”

I grabbed her hand and led her into the woods, having her sit down an a fallen tree. “I was going to ask you this later, but –.”

“Ask me what? Is it about the party?”

I got down on my knee and her eyes got huge. “Shalan, I ain’t sayin’ right now, but someday will you be my wife, darlin’?”

She started to answer but I cut her off. “Even if you say no, will you at least wear the ring, so the whole world knows you’re taken?”

Shalan giggled. “Are you going to open the ring box, or do I not get to see it unless I answer yes?”

I laughed and noticed that I hadn’t even opened the box. “Oh shit.”

I went to lift it and Shalan put her hands over it. “Wait. Either way my answer is yes. Yes, I will wear the ring, and yes I’ll be your wife, whenever we both feel ready.”

I kissed her so quickly that she almost lost her balance and fell into the fallen leaves. We both laughed as I held her close. “Sorry, I got a little excited.”

She grabbed my face and pulled me in for another kiss. “You never have to worry about the world Noah. My life is here with you.”

I stood up and reached out for her hand. She cleared her throat. “Are you ever going to show me the ring I’m supposed to be wearing?”

I stood in my tracks and handed her the box. “You got me all messed up, woman. Here, you open it.”

Bells had helped me pick it out, and after more money than I cared to admit spending, I watched my girlfriend gasping in shock. “Oh my God. It’s huge.”

“I get that a lot,” I teased.

She pushed me. “You know what I’m talking about. Noah, you didn’t have to. I would have been fine with anything you bought me.”

“I wanted you to have the best. Besides, ain’t nobody goin’ to overlook that on any red carpet.”

Shalan rolled her eyes. “You do realize that when I have red carpet events your ass will be in a tux escorting me?”

I frowned thinking about getting dressed up. “Is that what I’m signed on for?” I grabbed the box. “Here, let me take that back.”

She snatched it away from me and put the ring on her finger. “You’re never getting it back now.”

I stopped fighting and grabbed both of her arms. Her smile went away as I pulled her closer to me. “Fine, I’ll wear the tux, but only if you put out after every event.”

I leaned in to kiss her again as she began to laugh. “Deal,” she said mid-kiss.

With the family expecting us, I was content on spending the whole night hidden in the woods with Shalan.

Until my phone started to ring.

She grabbed it out of my pants pocket and answered, “We’re on our way.”

I chased her out of the woods and onto the golf cart. Once we were driving again, she rested her head on my shoulder and held up her hand. “I wonder if they’ll notice?”

“Well, bein’ that your ring cost more than my dad’s new tractor, I’d say they’ll notice.”

The idea of my dad’s reaction wasn’t the highest on my list. I was going to get a lecture, whether it was right away, or after he’d had weeks to let it simmer. My frugal dad wasn’t too keen on money being spent in vain.

“I don’t have to keep this ring, Noah. We can get something smaller.”

“Woman, I had to sell my left nut for that ring. You’re keepin’ it.”

“I saw your left nut this morning, you big fat liar.” She started to laugh and shake her head. “You’re not going to tell anyone are you?” She knew me too well.

I chuckled. “Nope.”

She put her foot onto the brake pedal. “Did you ask me in the woods because they think it’s going to happen at the party? Did you do this so you didn’t have to do it in front of everyone?”

“Maybe.” I pressed on the gas and we started moving again. In just a few short minutes we were out front of my gram’s house. “You ready, darlin’?” I asked as if nothing had happened.

Shalan hopped off the golf cart and walked into the house, not waiting for me. I followed behind her, knowing she was up to something. Sure enough, she waved her hands around. “We’re here.” She turned to flash me a smile. “And we’re engaged.”

I placed my hand on the small of her back and leaned in toward her ear. “Now they’re not goin’ to leave us alone.”

She laughed as the family approached to congratulate the both of us. “Think of this as practice for the red carpet. We have an event in two weeks, darlin’.”

Of course we did. “Can’t wait.” I winked and waited to be bombarded with hugs. This was my life, and for some amazing reason, she wanted to be a part of it. I looked over to see that smile and realized that I’d wear a monkey suit, and do anything she asked, just to be able to see that everyday.

No longer did I feel like I needed to leave the ranch to find happiness, because I already had more than any man could ever ask for. I turned to find my dad in the crowd of family members. Next to my uncles, he stood, nodding his head in approval. At the end of the day I never thought I’d care what he thought, but I had been very wrong. I’d become the man he’d always wanted me to be. I’d accepted my birthright, and the fact that there was nothing out there in the world that could bring me more joy than the people in this room could.

That there is my happy ending.