Ryan had met with Alison Jackson’s family. The woman he’d known as Grace had been mentally unstable for most of her life, and her family had tried many times to keep her in an institution. She was now finally at peace, even if it had been such a tragic and unnecessary death. Faith had come with him on the visit, and her kindness to the family had humbled him.
Life with her in it was beyond anything he’d imagined. Yes, they argued—she was a Harris twin, after all—but they loved each other fiercely. Ryan couldn’t imagine life without her anymore.
“We fly out tomorrow. I’d really like this wrapped up before then,” he said loud enough for her to hear.
Talon had two concerts to perform, and Faith was going with him. She and Noah had hired a full-time manager for The Howler who would eventually move into Faith’s rooms when she left to live her life with him.
“Do we need both though?”
He watched Faith’s long legs walk back to him. She wore jeans and a simple white button-down shirt, and there was absolutely nothing simple about how it looked on her.
“Our children will have room to play and have animals. It’s the right thing to do. I want privacy.”
She rolled her eyes. “We’re in Lake Howling.”
He grabbed her, pulling her in for a long, hot kiss. “Just say yes, woman.”
“Yes, woman.”
“Very amusing. Now we have to go because the party is starting and we’re going to be late.”
“Does any of this scare you?”
“This?” He swung her hand as they headed back to his SUV.
“Love, life-building together, adjustments.”
“What would scare me more is life without you.” They’d been separated a few times, and neither of them had liked it. Going forward, Ryan planned to minimize that as much as possible.
Swinging her into his arms, he dipped her backward and stared down into her lovely eyes. “Marry me, Faith Harris.”
Her mouth opened and closed.
“I’m not letting you up until you agree.”
“It’s only been six months.” Color flushed her cheeks.
“We’ve known and loved each other forever.”
Tears filled her eyes, so he pulled her back upright.
“They better be happy tears.”
“So happy tears!” She threw her arms around his neck. “I’m in!”
“That’ll do.”
After another steamy kiss, they climbed into his car and headed back into town. Pulling up at the back of The Howler, they let themselves inside and hurried up the stairs to change.
Twenty minutes later, he was walking with his mom into The Howler.
The commitment ceremony between Mac and his mom was something Mac had insisted on. He’d loved her forever—which had come as a surprise to most of Lake Howling as she was not exactly loveable—and he wanted a party to celebrate it. His mother had not been keen, but he’d talked her round.
“You look nice, Mom,” Ryan said as he took her arm and led her to where the party was waiting.
Hope had insisted that she not wear black, so she’d chosen navy. But she’d relented and let Macy do her hair and makeup.
“I think this is ridiculous,” she muttered.