Page 119 of Effortless

“Cash,” she whispers softly.

“Hadley. I got onto an airplane with only half of my heart years ago. Ever since, I was always searching for something that I couldn’t find with anyone else. The day you walked into the diner was the best day of my life. You were back. God sent you back to me and if you’ll let me, I’ll spend the rest of our lives showing you exactly how grateful I am that you’re mine. I know we haven’t been back together that long, but you were the one for me then and you still are. Always will be. Will you marry me, Hadley?”

She nods, tears streaming down her cheeks and smiles. “Yes. Of course I’ll marry you, Cash!”

I stand up and spin her around, planting a kiss on her in front of everyone we love.

Taking her left hand, I slip the ring on her finger. She doesn’t even look at it. She’s watching me.

Our families erupt in cheers and congratulations, everyone pulling her away from me to give her hugs.

After about five minutes, I’ve had enough and yank her out of Trotter’s clutches.

He laughs at me. “I wasn’t planning to keep her.”

“Good thing. You had your chance.”

I pull her around to the back of the house so I can have her alone before the family crowds around us once again.

“I love you,” she says, kissing me hard on the mouth and clinging to me like a little monkey.

“I love you, too. Do you like the ring?”

“I haven’t even looked at it yet!”

“What?”

“I got my guy. It doesn’t matter what the ring looks like.”

“While I love that answer, I still want you to like looking at the ring that’s planted on your finger for the rest of your life.”

She glances down and smiles. “It’s gorgeous. Absolutely perfect.”

I blow out a breath. I didn’t realize I was nervous about that until Robert mentioned using his guy to get a ring. I knew she probably had a diamond rock on her finger from Trotter, but I also knew that ring didn’t hold any meaning, either.

“Were you worried I wouldn’t like it?”

“A little,” I admit.

“It’s exactly what I would have chosen.”

“Yeah?”

She nods, admiring her finger. “Yes. Thank you for making loving you so effortless.”

“We’re being cheesy again.”

“Well, it is still Thanksgiving. Might as well continue it.”

“Good point. Love you, Hadley Lake.”

“Oooh.” She grins. “I like the sound of that. Hadley Lake. It sounds good, doesn’t it?”

“Damn right, it does.”

“I can’t believe you proposed to me in front of your entire family after Thanksgiving pictures.”

“Was it bad? I wanted to make it special and then your dad and I were talking while you were in the shower and I got a little anxious.”