“Buck’s probably itching to let everyone in,” she said, craning her neck to see if she could see Cerise. It had been a sad day when she’d moved out to go live with Mitch. But she still made sure to catch up with her friend as much as possible. It helped they worked in the same place as well.
“Yeah, although I’m going to miss that stale beer smell that was unique to the bar.”
Nadia chuckled. “I’m betting it won’t take long before it permeates every corner of the place.”
“Probably.”
“Hey lovebirds, how’s it going?” Cerise bounced up to them, sparkly cowboy hat atop her head, the glitter on her cheeks glinting in the sunlight.
Nadia extracted herself from Mitch’s hold and gave her friend a big hug. “Hey, I was getting worried.”
Cerise rolled her eyes. “For a small town it was hard to find any parking. I can’t believe there are so many people here.”
Nadia scanned the crowd, it seemed as if the Hunt population had tripled in the last hour. But a lot of the people who assisted with the clean-up were in town. There were a lot of couples and they all looked so happy. Everyone except Cerise.
Hmm, what could she do about that?
“What’s going on in the pretty head of yours? Should I be worried?” Mitch murmured in her ear and she shivered, desire pooling low in her belly. Even the simplest touch from her man her had all worked up and ready to rip his clothes off.
“I was just thinking how everyone is happy and partnered up. But Cerise is still single.”
“And you can keep any matchmaking ideas to yourself, Nadia Fletcher.” Cerise interjected. “I’m very happy being single.”
Nadia opened her mouth to object but Mitch closed his mouth over hers for a quick, searing kiss. He broke it before she could take advantage of him. “You can’t rush these things,Nadia. Look at us. When I arrived at the community event in April, I never expected to find the love of my life. When the time is right, it will happen for Cerise. But,” he lowered his voice. “We’ve got a new guy starting on the volunteer fire team in the new year. And I hear he’s single.”
Nadia turned in his arms and wrapped her arms around Mitch’s neck. “I like the way you think, Mr. Alexander.”
“I’ve got an even better idea,” Mitch said as he let go of her, his hand going into his jacket pocket.
Nadia gasped out loud when Mitch dropped to one knee, a ring box open in one hand. Behind her she heard Cerise squeal out loud and figured everyone else was watching them.
“Nadia Fletcher, you burst into my life and it’s never been the same since. I thought I was going to walk through life alone, now I can’t imagine not having you walking beside me. Will you do me the honor of marrying me?”
“Yes. A million times yes.” The crowd cheered as Mitch got up and slipped the ring on her finger.
“Well, I don’t think I can top that.” Buck boomed from nearby. “Buck’s Roadhouse is now open for business.”
While everyone filed into the bar, Nadia and Mitch only had eyes for each other.
“I love you so much, Mitchell Alexander. I can’t wait to see what our future holds.”
“I love you too, Nadia Fletcher. And I can’t wait either.”
The lips met in a kiss that sealed their future.