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Kali stretched out her long body over a sunny patch.
“She protects our family. And should I mention your daughter plays with her cougar cub?”
“That’s different. They have a bond. They were born on the same day. Kali can take down an animal seven times her size.”
So could Koko. Maybe not seven just yet, but close enough.
I sighed. We could argue all day about why it was time for Grace to trust Kali, or I could make her trust Kali.
“Hey, Kali. Bring me the box.”
The cat rose and ran off toward the tree base of our house where I’d left a package. We practiced the move for two days. Fucking smartest animal I ever met.
Grace’s head whipped my way. “What box?”
“It’s a gift. From a friend to a friend.” I winked.
Grace’s eyes grew wide, and her head jerked back to the path. Moments later, Kali reappeared and trotted up to Grace, who sat stiffly on the blanket. My accomplice took her spot, holding the box in her jaw.
“Stick out your hand, Grace.”
“No.” She pulled her hands behind her back.
“Stick out your palm or she won’t leave.”
Grace didn’t budge. I glanced back to Genie and Koko, who were sitting two feet away from me at the river’s shore, splashing.
“Did you know cougars can smell fear? You want to show her you’re weak? Do you know what they do to weak prey?”
Grace’s mouth fell open. “I’mpreynow? Hunter, this isn’t helping.”
“I’m kidding. Will you just please stick out your hand? If you don’t trust her, trust me.”
Grace swallowed visibly and turned to Kali. She extended her shaky hand, eyes widening. Kali gently placed the slobbery box in Grace’s palm, then backed away.
“Open it,” I whispered from behind and knelt on one knee. The box clicked open.
“It’s empty,” she said.
“Oops, I think she got the wrong one.”
Grace turned around with a gasp. I held the open box with the ring out in front of me.
“Grace, my Cougar and my Queen, will you be the Queen of my jungle for the rest of our lives and marry me?”
She held still for what seemed like forever before the tears broke out. I couldn’t tell if she was laughing through the tears, or crying.
“I thought you said this was a rainforest.”
“Not the answer I was looking for.” My eyebrows stayed high on my forehead.
I stood up, and she threw her arms around my neck. “Yes, of course I’ll marry you.”
My mouth met hers in a lingering kiss. Her body melted against mine, soft curves, round belly, and full breasts, and my blood flew south. I pulled away. If we consummated our engagement, we’d be late and I couldn’t wait to make her my wife.
“Good, because we have five hours to get ready.”
“Get ready for what?”
