CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
All in
Jack held Ana’s hand as they walked down the trail in La Jolla and knew they could count the date as a success. They’d just enjoyed a great meal at a restaurant that sat above La Jolla Cove without incident, and were now about to enjoy a perfect California sunset. “So far, so good, Ana. One great date down, thousands more to go.”
“We’re officially done with disastrous dates, and I feel like we’ve got nothing but good luck ahead of us.”
“Damn right, we do,” he replied as the warm breeze brushed over his face. Lifting their joined hands, he pointed to a bench that overlooked the ocean. “Let’s sit there.”
“Perfect.”
And that’s exactly what he hoped the next thirty minutes was going to be because he needed all the help he could get. Once they were settled, he pressed his hand against his chest and felt the small box that was tucked inside the pocket of his coat. “It’s been a great couple of days, hasn’t it?”
Leaning her head against his shoulder, she let out a happy sigh. “I couldn’t have asked for a better time. I loved catching up with everyone and seeing the team win the game. I know you guys have a great chance at making it to the bowl this year, and I’m so proud of you.”
“It sure would be amazing to take it all the way, but I’ve got to say that having you by my side is all I really care about.”
“Thank you, Jack.”
“For what?”
“For never giving up. You overcame all my fears and objections about dating a football player and did everything you could to take care of all the roadblocks that threatened us. It’s you that’s brought us this far, and now that we’re here, I’m so grateful you did.”
“You are my person, my reason, and the one who I want to be with for the rest of my life.”
“That makes me the luckiest woman in the world.” Lifting her face, she pulled him down and pressed their mouths together. “Rachel told me the other day that there is nothing better than having an Ellis man in love with you because you guys do it with every breath in your body, every thought in your head, and with all of the massive strength you possess. And I know she’s absolutely correct.”
“You make it easy.”
She shook her head and laughed. “That’s very far from the truth since it’s taken me more than a minute to accept this thing is even real.”
“But now that you have, it will be.” Seeing the sun begin its descent in the sky, he knew the moment to ask his question was coming near. “You made me breathless when I saw you walking down the sidewalk with Ronnie in Coronado. And then when we spoke, I knew you were the woman for me, and there was nothing that was going to stand in my way. And here we are three months later, and I know you’re the love of my life.”
Turning, he took her hand and saw her eyes get big and her breaths grow short. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, but…”
Not wanting her to get in her head, he slid off the bench and got on one knee. “I would like to spend the rest of my life with you and try and make you happy every day. There will never be anyone or anything more important than you and…”
“What are you doing, Jack?”
Pulling the box out of his pocket, he opened it. “Will you marry me, Dr. Ana James, and make me the happiest man in the world?” Tears spilled down her cheeks, and she flapped her hand in front of her face.
“Sweetie, are you okay?” Sliding the ring out, he held it up. “What do you think?”
“Yes! Jack Ellis, I will marry you.”
Standing, he picked her up and crushed her against him as she buried her wet face against his neck. “I love you, so fucking much.”
Lifting her head, she framed his face and kissed him fiercely. “I love you too.”
He lowered her to the ground, lifted her hand, and slid the massive rock on her finger, smiling with satisfaction. He knew it was big and flashy and didn’t care one damn bit.
Ronnie had tried to talk him out of it, but he didn’t want anyone to be mistaken that this woman was his, and if it took a ring the size of an egg to accomplish that, then he was okay with it.
“My goodness, Jack. Are you sure they didn’t have anything bigger?”
“I know you’re joking and if I thought your small hands could handle anything larger, I would’ve gotten it.”
“You could go ice skating on this ring.”
“I want everyone to understand that you’re my wife, and the ring sends out that message loud and clear.”
“It sure does.”
“We’re going to make a hell of team, honey, and I look forward to everything that comes our way since I know we can handle it.”
“I love you, and plan on making you as happy as I can.”
“I’m already happy, and if you give me a bunch of babies in a few years and stay by my side, I’ll never need more.”
“I think I can manage that and want you to know that I plan on really learning the game of football once and for all.”
“Just cheer me on every week, and that will be more than enough.” He tucked her into his side and smiled down. “Dr. Ana James Ellis, I love you.” He dropped his lips and swore the kiss was sweeter and more intense than ever before and knew it was because she was going to become his wife.
Pressing her hand against his heart, she looked up. “You’re a good man, and I promise to take care of your heart.”
“Same,” he replied as he covered her hand. “Would you be willing to get married right away?”
“I’ll let you work that out with my mother since she has a vision for her only daughter’s wedding. I’m not brave enough to stand in her way, so whatever you work out with her is fine with me.”
“I hope it’s a vision that can be accomplished in a couple of months.”
She laughed and sat down on the bench. “We may need to consider elopement then because I think it will take a year for what my mother has in mind.”
Sitting down next to her, he pulled her close. “What do you want our wedding to look like?”
“I want to stand on the beach in a comfortable dress, barefoot, and say yes to the man of my dreams.”
“I’ll make sure that you have what you want, so you can leave your mom to me.”
“You’re already turning out to be a good husband.”
“I’ll always make sure that you have everything you want.”
“What more could a girl want?” Lifting her face, she put her hand against his cheek. “You’ve made every single one of her dreams come true including the one I didn’t know about. I think you’re really a prince disguised as a football player.”
“And as your prince, I plan on making sure our fairy tale is one for the ages.”
THE END