Page 179 of Zero Hour

“That might be true, but marrying her is a big deal. One I’m not taking lightly. Just you guys wait until it’s your turn. See how you feel then.”

Liam was confident Raven would say yes. They’d talked about the future. But he wanted to give Raven the world. To show her every day in every way that he loved her. That summed up the reason for his nerves. He was terrified he’d mess up.

Clearfield, Virginia – BlackKnight Security Headquarters

Six Months Later – Thursday – 1630 Hours

Code Name: Raven

Raven saton her front porch and checked the time once again. What was taking the guys so long? She pushed the rocker into motion. Birds chirped and warbled in the trees that framed the small yard of her portion of the compound. If someone were dropped in at the end of her driveway, they’d never realize the house was part of a large master plan. She nibbled on her thumbnail while she waited.

The mission was a success, but the team had taken a hit, injury-wise. Cuts, bullet burns, large bruises, and Liam’sdislocated shoulder. She pushed down the anxiety threatening to bubble over. This was his job. And he and the guys were the best at what they did. But that didn’t stop her from worrying about the man she loved.

Gravel popped under the tires of Liam’s truck as it rolled down her driveway.

She released a lung full of air and stood. He was home.

Liam slid from the driver’s side. A black sling hugged his arm to his body. His long legs ate up the distance between them until he stood before her. “Hi.”

Raven threw her arms around his neck, careful of his shoulder. “You’re back.”

“Yeah, honey, I am. I missed you.” He kissed her temple.

“How is everyone?” She leaned back and gestured to his arm. “And you?”

“Only bumps and bruises.”

“Right. Did you forget I heard the whole thing?” She arched an eyebrow.

He chuckled. “No, I didn’t forget. I just don’t want you to worry.”

“I’m always concerned about you. But I also know you are highly skilled at what you do.” She cupped his jaw. The scruff from his newly acquired beard tickled her palm. “Besides, I have a lot more skin in the game now.”

“You do, do you?” A teasing smile crossed Liam’s lips.

“Seems to be that some super awesome soldier wormed his way into my heart. Gotta make sure he comes home after every mission.”

“I like the sound of that.”

She tilted her head, a bit confused by this response. “Of what?”

“Coming home to you.” He kissed her forehead and took a step back.

Raven immediately missed the connection.

Liam ran a shaky hand through his hair.

“What’s wrong?” Now she really was getting concerned. The only time she’d seen him this shaken was when he’d rescued her in Alabama.

He blew out a breath.

“Liam?” Her stomach knotted.

His hand slid into his pocket, and the next thing she knew, he went down on one knee.

Her hand flew to her mouth, and tears flooded her eyes.

“Raven, I’m not a man who has fancy words. But I know this—You’ve changed me. You’ve shown me how to let go of the guilt from my past and live in the moment. My life makes sense with you in it. I never want to lose that—or you.” He pulled a gorgeous diamond solitaire from the box and held it up. “Raven, will you marry me?”

The tears pooling on her lashes spilled down her cheeks. Oh, this wonderful, tenderhearted man.

He stood, ring between his fingers. “Please.”

Finding her voice, she smiled. “Yes, Liam, I’ll marry you.”

He slid the ring onto her finger, then wrapped his good arm around her and tugged her close. His lips met hers in a slow, tender kiss. Neither of them in a hurry for it to end.

Jade had found a man willing to deal with her traumas and fears without hesitation. A man who encouraged her and supported her. A man who loved God and made her feel loved for the first time in her life.

Enveloped in Liam’s embrace, she’d found her future—her forever.