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“Well, you can’t say you didn’t know what you were getting into.”
She tackled me and pressed her lips to mine.
Turning us so she was at the bottom, I grinned at her. “Is that a yes?”
“Of course it is. I love you. And I want to belong to you.”
I pressed my lips to hers, my tongue seeking entry that she readily granted. Our bodies were pressed together, her hands in my hair, mine under her shirt.
“Is this going to turn into a ‘mature audience only’ situation, or is it safe to come out and congratulate you?”
Liam’s voice reminded me that my whole family was here, watching. They’d all insisted on coming when they heard I was going to propose.
Ariel’s eyes widened, and she pushed me off. “Please don’t tell me everyone’s here.”
When I stayed quiet, she groaned, eyes searching until they locked onto a group of people standing at the entrance to the outdoor range. “Your parents too?”
I got up, putting my arm around her shoulders and walking her to where our family was waiting. “Of course they’re here. There’s no way they’d miss this.”
Freya, Quinn, and Vanna rushed up to us, tackle-hugging Ariel.
“Where’s your ring?”
“I didn’t think Jude had it in him.”
“Welcome to the family. Not that you weren’t already part of it. But now it’s official.”
They all spoke at the same time, and I stepped back, worried they’d tackle me next.
Liam shook my hand, then pulled me in for a hug, slapping my back so hard I moved forward from the force of it. “Congratulations.”
Not one to be outdone, Gabriel moved in after him, making sure to slap me a little harder. “Well done, little brother.”
Lenny gave me a fist bump. “Told you she’d say yes.”
I’d asked Lenny for his blessing before I’d asked Ariel. I didn’t want him to feel left out or like he wasn’t part of the family anymore.
Gunner shook my hand, smiling wide. I still wasn’t used to seeing him so happy. “Congratulations. I’m glad it all worked out.”
My sister and sisters-in-law hugged me next. I kept it brief, quickly handing them off to their husbands since they all had tears in their eyes.
Mom kissed my cheek, then hugged me tightly. “Love you, honey. And congratulations.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
Dad hugged me as well. “Congratulations, son.” He released me, stepping back. “Let’s go to Tony’s to celebrate.”
“Give me a minute,” I said and jogged down to the dummy we’d used as a target. The ring was still where I’d put it, but Ariel had shot it in half. Putting what was left of the ring in my pocket, I joined my family again.
We piled into the cars and made the hour-long drive there. I wondered if next week was too soon to get married.
Ariel took my hand, her smile as bright as mine. I couldn’t help but touch my lips to her hand, ignoring Lenny’s grumbling. “I love you, fiancée.”
“I love you, too, soon-to-be-husband.”
