Page 40 of Jaxon

Her vision blurred as tears welled up in her eyes. Her heart swelled, overflowing with love for the man kneeling before her.

“Rachel Lewis, will you marry me?”

She smiled through her tears, joy suffusing every inch of her being. “Yes, Jaxon. Yes, I will marry you.”

The clubhouse erupted into cheers and whistles as Jaxon surged to his feet, crushing her in a searing kiss. Their future was uncertain, but as long as they were together, she knew they could weather any storm.

Rachel was dimly aware of the raucous congratulations around them, the Green Devils swarming forward to clap Jaxon on the back and hug her tightly. But at that moment, all she could see was Jaxon, his eyes alight with joy and love as he gazed at her.

He cupped her face in his hands, brushing away the tears with his thumbs. “I love you so damn much,” he rasped, his voice thick.

She reached up and curled her hands around his wrists, anchoring herself to him. “I love you too. More than I ever thought I could love anyone.”

Jaxon crushed her against him again, nearly lifting her off her feet. The ring on her finger glinted under the dim lights of the clubhouse, a symbol of the new life they would build together.

Rachel closed her eyes and breathed in the familiar scent of leather and spice, her heart full to bursting. They had a long road ahead, filled with challenges and obstacles to overcome. But they would face it all together, side by side, bonded as partners against the world.

Jaxon pulled back and took her left hand, gazing at the engagement ring now adorning her finger. He brushed his thumb over the diamond, a soft smile curving his lips.

“It’s perfect,” he said, his voice rough with emotion. “Just like you.”

Rachel’s heart skipped a beat at the tender look in his eyes. She curled her fingers around his, clinging to the solid warmth of his hand. “I love it. And I love you.”

Jaxon’s smile widened. “C’mon, let’s get out of here.” He tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow and guided her toward the exit, the Green Devils whistling and catcalling behind them.

Rachel ducked her head to hide her blush, feeling almost dizzy with happiness. The cool night air was a shock to her overheated skin as they stepped outside, the sounds of the clubhouse fading into the distance.

Jaxon swung her up onto his bike, sliding on behind her and kicking the engine to life with a roar. The familiar vibration sang through her veins as they sped off into the night, the ring on her finger glinting under the moonlight.

Rachel leaned back into Jaxon’s embrace, her hands covering his on her waist. The wind whipped her hair and stung her eyes, but she didn’t care.

She was going home with the man she loved. The future had never seemed so bright.

The house was dark when they pulled up, but warmth flooded through Rachel at the sight of it. Their home. The place they’d built together through hard work and sacrifice.

Jaxon cut the engine and helped her off the bike, his hands lingering on her waist. “You ready to celebrate, darlin’?” His voice was low and rough, his eyes gleaming in the faint light from the moon.

Rachel’s heart stuttered. “Yes,” she whispered.

Jaxon scooped her up into his arms, kicking the front door open. He carried her over the threshold as if it was their wedding night, not stopping until they reached the bedroom.

Moonlight filtered through the window, bathing the room in a silvery glow. Jaxon set her on her feet, his hands coming up to cradle her face. “I love you,” he said. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Rachel’s eyes stung. “I love you too.” She wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing herself against him. “Thank you for saving me.”

“You saved yourself,” he said. “You’re the strongest, most incredible woman I’ve ever known. And now you’re mine.” He kissed her then, deep and slow and thorough, and Rachel gave herself over to the joy and passion of the moment.

The ring on her finger was a sweet, heavy weight, binding them together in a way that went far deeper than any piece of jewelry. They’d walked through the fire to get here, but they’d survived.