Then he decided he didn’t really care, because he wanted everyone to know the depth of his love for Caitlan. Holding her left hand, he knelt in the dirt on one knee before her. She glanced down at him, surprise and a touch of delight entering her eyes.
“Johnny?”
“Caitlan, will you many me?” he asked, his voice strong and sure.
She smiled, her dimple creasing her cheek. “Seems I’ve heard those words before.”
“Except this time I’m never letting you go,” he said, twining their fingers together. “You’re mine, Caitlan. Now and forever.”
“Yes, Johnny,” she whispered, love and eternal loyalty glistening in her eyes.
“You’ll marry me?”
“Try and stop me.”
Joy poured through him, and his body shuddered in relief. Standing in a fluid motion, he kissed her again to seal their vow—a slow, lazy kiss that held the promise of so much more. Her love wrapped his heart and soul in contentment, filling every aching, lonely part of him.
Minutes later, they came up for air, lightly pressing their foreheads together. Caitlan’s finger followed the gold chain around his neck to the medallion between them. Holding the golden pendant, she pulled back to look into his eyes.
“I don’t think we’ll be needing this anymore.”
“Not even for a keepsake?”
She shook her head, her mouth lifting in humor. “No.”
He sighed, reluctant to give up something that held so much significance. Taking off the medallion, he held it in his palm, a sudden knowledge filling him. Looking deeply into Caitlan’s eyes, he smiled. “You’re right. I have everything I could ever want right here in my arms. And I don’t want your Superiors looking over our shoulders for the rest of our lives.”
“Then let’s give it back.”
J.T. stepped back and looked up at the stretch of clear blue sky above them, holding the medallion tightly in his palm. Gratitude wove through him, and he whispered, “Thank you for giving me Caitlan back.”
“Take care of yourself and Caitlan. You won’t be given another chance.”
Stunned by the voice he heard out of nowhere, J.T. glanced sharply at Caitlan.
She laughed lightly, seemingly having heard the advice, too. “No, you’re not going crazy,” she confirmed.
“Thank God,” he murmured. Looking at the medallion one last time, he took a deep breath, then drew back his arm and pitched the gold pendant straight up into the air.
He grabbed Caitlan’s hand, and together they watched sparks of sun dance off the gold disk as it soared higher and higher into the sky. A second later, a flash of light burst the medallion into glittering stardust that shimmered like tiny angels up into the heavens, showering love and peace all around them.
* * * * * * * * *
Janelle Denison is a USA Today Bestselling author of over fifty contemporary romance novels. She is a two time recipient of the National Reader’s Choice Award, and has also been nominated for the prestigious RITA award. Janelle is a California native who now calls Oregon home. She resides in the Portland area with her husband and daughters, and can’t imagine a more beautiful place to live. When not writing, she can be found exploring the great Northwest, from the gorgeous beaches to the amazing waterfalls and lush mountains. To learn more about Janelle and her upcoming releases, you can visit her website at:
www.janelledenison.com/
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