Page 99 of Risk
It’s in this moment the world completely falls away. The music stops. The floor vanishes. The room evaporates, along with the air and all the people. It’s just the two of us. We’re all that exists. We’re all that matter. “Is that a yes, Mr. Finch?”
It’s crazy, I know. It’s too soon. It’s too ridiculous.
But I don’t care.
Mason dips me again, his mouth hovering over mine until I can’t bend any further. “Yes.” He kisses me in the center of the dance floor, and it feels so right, so perfect, so real. “You just made this the best night of my goddamn life, Princess.”
The joy, however, did not last long…
Chapter 30
Mason
As dessert is served, the ballroom becomes a mix of people mingling, eating, and dancing. The band’s in full swing. My face hurts because I’m marrying the woman of my dreams and can’t be happier about it.
Damnit, I can’t believe she asked me first.
I had this whole elaborate plan in place for later.
“We could fly out to Vegas tonight if you want.” The faster we’re married, the better. I want Leah to be my wife immediately. It feels insufferable waiting this long. I get that most people take their time when it comes to a commitment like marriage, but I’m a fast-moving man who’s never dragged my feet before. When I know I want something, I take it.
I’ve wanted Leah since the instant I saw her in those whiskers, singing into her mop.
She’s the one for me. I know it with my whole soul.
“What? No.” Leah shakes her head. “I want a beach wedding.”
“Let’s fly to the Virgin Islands tonight.” I pull out my cell to start the process. “How long does it take to get a marriage license? Never mind, it doesn’t matter.” I drop into my chair. “We can just stay a month or two.”
“Oh my god.” She face-palms herself. “You’re ridiculous.”
“Vacay?” Gage asks.
“Leah’s proposed. I’ve said yes.” I swear to God, I could fly to the moon right now. “Is this what it feels like to win the World Series? Because I’m pretty sure this this is how it feels. Bases loaded. Bottom of the ninth. And I’ve just hit the grand slam.”
Landon and Grace drop into chairs beside us, both flushed and out of breath. “What did we miss?”
“We’re getting married.” I grab Leah’s hand and kiss it.
“Mason.” Grace’s eyes are huge.
“Grace.” I shoot back. But then guilt slaps me. She doesn’t have this luxury. Flaunting it only hurts her more and though my little sister is a brat most times, I want her happy. “Say you’ll come to the wedding.” I keep my upbeat energy rolling because I will not back down from this.
“Of course.” Her brow pinches together as if the thought of not being there hurts. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” She stands up and looks shaky. Then she slaps on her cheery expression and acts all bright and bubbly as she kisses Leah’s cheek and gives her a genuine smile. But it falters a little when she looks at me. “I’m really, really happy for you, Mase.” A tear falls down her cheek and my gut twists.
“Grace!” I call out as she walks away from us in a hurry.
Ignoring me, my sister disappears into the crowd.
The band stops playing, making all the chatter louder.
“At this time, I would like to make a few announcements,” Scarlet says from the stage. The noise dies down, and everyone turns to her. “My goodness, I’m just so excited.” She touches her cheek. “First, a round of applause to you all. Your generosity knows no bounds.” Everyone claps for a few seconds. “The silent auction has ended, and we have raised another two-hundred-seventeen thousand dollars!”
More clapping.
“Nicole, please come back up here.” Scarlet covers the microphone with her hand and says something to the singer of the band.
My instincts go on high alert.