Page 117 of My Favorite Boss

“Or we can walk. Too bad Hedgy isn’t here.”

I grimaced. “He wasn’t impressed earlier.” I showed her the video I had made of our attempted walk. She laughed merrily over Hedgy’s antics.

“Maybe he’ll get used to it.”

“I have a feeling, Maggie darling, as usual, you were right.”

She leaned closer and kissed me. “If we’re getting married, you better get used to it.”

I kissed her back. “I guess so.”

But somehow, the thought didn’t upset me.

MAGNOLIA

I woke up early Monday morning, Bane sitting on the side of the bed, a tray in his hands.

“Hi,” I murmured, sitting up.

He grinned, sliding the tray onto my knees. “I made breakfast. Not as good as yours…”

I smiled at the tray. Toast and coffee. A small container of jam. Some slightly scorched bacon.

“Looks good,” I assured him. I touched the pretty roses in the vase. “Nice touch.”

“Romantic,” he replied.

I laughed, picking up my cup and taking a sip. “Yes, very romantic.”

He handed me a piece of bacon, and I crunched it, the salty flavor helping hide the burned edges.

“Crispy,” I mumbled.

He grimaced. “A little too much. I got distracted.”

“Doing?”

“Taking the thorns off the roses.”

“That was thoughtful.”

He stared at me, his eyes intense. “I know.”

I glanced at the pretty roses, the pink petals soft. I could smell the fragrance. I looked at Bane again. He was watching me, his gaze focused, something in it making me wary. I reached out to touch a petal when I saw it. Between the green foliage was a ring. Sparkling in the low light, simple and elegant. So beautiful, my breath caught.

My gaze flew to meet his. He reached for the flower, letting the ring fall into his palm. Then he reached for my hand, slipping it into place. It fit perfectly, and I stared at it, speechless.

“Alex,” I breathed out.

“Sam had a friend who let me into his store yesterday. I saw this ring and knew it was meant for you.”

I let out a shaky breath. “It’s so lovely.”

He took the tray, placing it on the floor and moving closer. “Marry me, Magnolia. I promise to be the best husband I can be.” He swallowed. “I asked your dad, and he gave me his blessing.”

“What?” I gasped.

“I went to see him on Saturday afternoon. It was good. He recalled meeting me. We talked about you, and I promised to take care of you—make sure you were always looked after. I told him you meant more than anyone else ever had or ever would. That I thought you were incredible. He said that was all he wanted, and he agreed.”