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“So now you’re going to stay locked up in here for a day? Was it worth it?”
“Yes. I’m rebelling. To be honest, Sawyer, I don’t think Shelly would want me to be locked up for not dancing.”
“But as she’s dead, we can’t ask her.” He moved to the bars and put his arms through. Grabbing her, he pulled her in close and kissed her.
“Unhand the prisoner!”
“Fuck off, you pipsqueak,” Sawyer said to his brother.
“Don’t be angry with him because I’m being rebellious.” Birdie’s hand came through the bars to cup Sawyer’s cheek, and he instantly felt calmer. “Can he join me please, Dan?”
“Only because you asked, and only for ten minutes,” his brother said, sounding resigned.
The door was unlocked and Sawyer walked in. It was shut and locked behind him.
“I didn’t mean to upset you, and in fact, I wasn’t rebelling, but I was winning a bet.” She walked into his arms.
“What bet?” He stared into her eyes and wondered if there would ever be a time in their lives together that he didn’t want her. Didn’t need her to be his.
“You know how you said to me that no one would ever be brave enough to give you a surprise party for your birthday because you’d just walk away?”
He nodded. They’d had this discussion a few weeks ago after he’d told her he had a big birthday coming up and didn’t want to celebrate it with anyone but her, and maybe family. He’d also said surprise parties didn’t work on someone like him, because he’d just walk away.
She pulled something out from behind her back.
“What is that?” He backed up a step, but she’d pulled the string, and streamers floated down on his head.
“Happy birthday to the best man I know.”
“Birdie—” He was interrupted by the sounds of people singing “Happy Birthday”. Looking at the door they’d walked through to reach the cells, he saw people. Lots of people coming through it.
“What the hell is going on?” he asked Birdie.
“It’s your surprise party. We lied to get you here, and now we’re having a party and you’re staying because you’re locked in here with me.”
“What have you done?” He lowered his brows, and she giggled. She was never intimidated by him.
“I love you, but you know that. I know what kind of man you are. Kind, generous, and you have the biggest heart.”
“Hey, honey.”
He turned with Birdie in his arms to see his mom. She had a fold-out table. Behind her, Ally carried a cake, and the rest of his family and friends wandered in carrying coolers and plates of food. Chairs and balloons. It was all coming in with people through the door.
“Birdie—” He looked down at her.
“Other people love you too, Sawyer. Let them celebrate your birthday with you.”
“So, this was all just an elaborate plan to get me here?” He kissed her jaw. Sawyer wasn’t angry. He knew this was all because people cared, even if it was about as comfortable as a woman’s league meeting.
He thought about what he’d planned for tonight. The romantic walk along the lake, and picnic.
“Ah, what the hell,” he muttered. “You all here?” he asked the people jammed into the area outside the cell.
“Yes!” they all called.
Releasing Birdie, Sawyer dropped to one knee.
“OMG! Is he?” Nina whispered.
“Sawyer!” Birdie jumped back, hands to her mouth.
“Marry me, Birdie McAllister. You’re my soul mate, and the woman I want to grow old with.”
“Yes!” She burst into tears.
“Dan, go out to the pickup and get the ring I put in the glove box.” Regaining his feet, he threw his brother the keys. Then he pulled his girl into his arms and kissed her.
It was, as far as impromptu engagement parties went, a damn good one.
* * *
