Page 118 of SEAL's Promise

He knocked on her door. When she opened it, he had to fight to keep his jaw from hitting the floor. “You look incredible.”

“You look ready to be on the front cover of GQ.”

Cal captured her hand and kissed her knuckles. “Ready?”

“Where are we going?”

“Not far.” He led her downstairs and out the back door to the deck.

As soon as she saw the cloth-covered table, covered dishes along with the battery-lit candles, strands of white lights illuminating the deck railing, and the small vase filled with baby roses, Rachelle gasped. “Oh, Cal. You did all this?”

“Most of it. I had a couple of fairy godmothers who set the table. I’ve never been able to figure out why anyone needs more than one fork, spoon, and knife to eat a meal.” His mother and Rachelle’s had set the table with formal place settings.

He seated her, removed the covers from the salads on the serving cart, and placed one in front of her. The next hour passed with a lot of laughter. He could see them sharing meals like this for the rest of their lives, love and laughter a daily part of who they were together.

After they finished chocolate mousse for dessert, Cal stood and held out his hand. “Walk with me?”

“I’d love to, but we should probably take the plates inside first.”

“Our fairy godmothers have that covered tonight.”

“Oh, that’s so nice.”

He carried her across the loose sand until they reached firmer ground. He set her on her feet, then slid his arm around her waist. They strolled for a short distance before he stopped and turned to face her.

Cal drew her into his arms and kissed her, his touch soft and gentle. He eased away from her. This was it. Either Rachelle made him the happiest man on the planet or shattered his heart into a million pieces. “When I first saw you, I was stunned by your beauty. The more time I spent with you, the deeper I fell. I love you, Rachelle. Being with you brings me endless joy and contentment. You own my heart. I want a lifetime with you. A home and a family.”

He dropped to one knee and pulled out a velvet-covered box. Opening the lid, Cal removed the ring. “Will you marry me, Rachelle Carter?”

“I love you so much, Cal Taylor. I’d be honored to marry you.”

Thank God. He heaved a sigh of relief as he slid the one-carat diamond ring on her finger. Rising, he took her into his arms and kissed her, holding her close. “I adore you,” he whispered. “Thank you for making me the happiest man on the planet.”

She smiled. “We’ll have to plan a wedding around your deployments.”

“Got that figured out.”

“Is that right?”

He shrugged. “I’m a SEAL. We’re mission driven. Unless you want something different, I’d like to return to this beach in six months and marry you here. What do you say?”

Rachelle threw her arms around him. “It’s perfect. I’ve always wanted a beach wedding. Now, I’ll be able to marry the man of my dreams on the beach where he proposed.”

“You won’t regret saying yes. I’ll make it my mission in life to make you happy.”

She smiled, cupping his cheek. “You already have.”