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This process began when we got back from Miami. Her refusal to answer only fueled my need to get this done.
“It’s an astonishing piece. Will this be a Christmas surprise?”
I shake my head, grinning at the jeweler. “It’ll be on her finger tonight.”
He chuckles. “Many men grace my store this time of year with the quintessential Christmas proposal planned out.”
“Waited thirty-one years, not wasting any more time.”
“She’s a lucky woman.”
“You met her, you’d know it’s me who’s fortunate.”
I put the ring in the box and slip it into my jacket pocket.
“Glad to work with you, Mr. Whitman. Hope we can help in the future.”
I jerk my chin and pull out my phone on the way to my truck.
Tonight
The one-word text should be clear enough.
She can still say no.
Hotch doesn’t know she’s already given me the only answer I’d accept.
Too late. Should I call you Dad?
Only if you want a bullet in your ass.
I grin at his response. Another text appears.
You’ll do.
Our conversation at Churchill Downs comes to mind. This is the only approval he’s giving.
I’ll take it.
It’s been a week since Rowan said yes, and she insisted on secrecy because of the babies. I gave her that, knowing the ring was almost done, and she deserved to be the center of attention when we announced our engagement.
But it doesn’t mean I’ve liked it.
The possessive side of me wants everyone to know.
Rowan’s car is in its spot, the back seat filled with boxes overflowing with Christmas decorations. Decorations she was supposed to let me pick up after we got the tree this weekend.
One thing I learned this week is Rowan is a fanatic about Christmas. The woman decorates in early November, foregoing Thanksgiving décor altogether. Last year, Jay had my house looking like a Hallmark movie set. From what I can tell, Rowan will outshine that.
The door to our room is caught on the jamb, the lock disengaged.
Immediately, I notice the blinds are still closed.
A sixth sense twines its way up my spine. The first thing Rowan does when she gets home is open the blinds and windows, loving the last daylight and coolness of the season.
The closet and bathroom are empty, no trace of her coming in to change out of her work clothes or remove her jewelry.
I listen for anything in the house.
