Sydney’s heart rate jumped as she fought against the urge to unearth her own weapon, holstered beneath her jacket.
Tank’s easygoing smile kept her from reaching for her gun.
“It’s all good, my friend,” Tank said. “Your badge says your name’s Joe.”
“I’m Joe.”
“Joe, would you mind doing me a favor?”
“Depends.”
“I want to hand you my phone so you can record us,” Tank said.
“Doing what?” Joe asked.
“I was gonna surprise my girl, but you busted in, and I don’t want us kicked off the roof before I get this question out. I’ve been sweating bullets, trying to figure out the right time to ask… if you know what I mean.”
Joe regarded Tank for a beat, then he smiled. “I got you.”
Tank lifted his phone off the roof, made sure all its windows were closed, and opened the camera. As he held it out, Joe holstered his gun.
Sydney breathed.
Joe took the phone as Tank got down on one knee.
“Sierra Turner, you are my entire world. I can’t imagine going through this insane life without you. I love you from the depths of my wicked soul.”
Her heart rate kicked into triple digits. Didn’t matter that the proposal was a red herring. The words were coming out of his mouth and they sounded so damn convincing.
“Oh, wow,” she murmured, her attention locked on his.
“Sierra, my angel, I’d be honored if you would marry me.”
Sydney’s heart blossomed. She leaned up, sandwiched his handsome face in her palms, and kissed him. “Yes,” she murmured. “I will absolutely be your Mrs. One hundred percent.”
The tender kiss ended, and they both grinned at Joe.
“She said yes!” Tank exclaimed.
“Got it,” said Joe.
Tank rose, took his phone, shook Joe’s hand. “Appreciate you. You want us to clear out?”
“Nah, you can hang here a little longer. Did you forget the ring?”
“Honestly,” Tank said, “I went ring shopping alone. Too many options and not something I wanted to get wrong.”
“I hear you on that,” Joe said.
They thanked him before he retreated through the fire door.
“Whew,” Sydney murmured. “That was seriously brilliant.” She slid the guitar into the soft bag. “I assumed they were back-up rifles.”
“I’m one step ahead.”
“Nice work,” she said. “I’m not pulling out a rifle, but I got what I needed. By the way, you’re a great spotter. Are you with me tomorrow or positioned nearby?”
“With you,” he replied.
