Fingers snapping got his attention. Gabriela had yanked on her panties and was now fastening her bra. “Talk. What is it?”
He sat up and was glad he’d been working out when her gaze traveled down his chest to his flat stomach.
“On second thought, we can talk later. I’m considering how to see each other more often.”
“I don’t believe you.” Gabriela’s eyes narrowed. “You’re up to something. Is it that woman Carol?”
“Cassandra?”
“Whatever. You’re on and off again relationship hootchie.”
He chuckled. “No, I haven’t spoken to her since she walked up to the table that one night.”
“Hmmm.”
They finished dressing; the entire time Jeremy kept kissing Gabriela as she remained annoyed. It was wrong, but he enjoyed it tremendously. Damn, he was in deep.
His cell rang.
“Hey man.” It was Henry. When he called it meant something was up. It was never good.
“What are you up to?”
“I’m at the station. Got arrested for…”
“He’s a public nuisance,” Williams said, obviously taking the phone from Henry. “He was in the grocery store parking lot telling people not to buy oranges.”
“What’s wrong with that?” Jeremy asked.
“He was stabbing the fruit and making a mess. Scared the crap out of my Aunt Betty.”
“What do you want me to do about it?”
“Nothing, I’m not sure why he called you.”
“Drop him off at the ranch. I’ll warn Mom.”
“What’s for supper?” Henry called out.
The entire drive to the ranch, Gabriela slid him questioning looks. “Are you going to tell me you’re gay?”
“Nope.”
“That you’re not into being long distance anymore?”
“Nope.” He leaned over and grinned. “It’s really not that big of a deal.”
“Promise?”
“Nope.”
They walked into his parent’s house and immediately Gabriela was pulled into tight hugs by both his parents. As per usual, they congregated in the kitchen where coffee, tea and cake was always available.
“What is wrong with you?” His mother joined him by the counter where Jeremy was pouring coffee for himself and Gabriela. “You’re acting jerky.”
“Jerky?”
She gave him a bland look. “If you are breaking up with her, I’m going to kill you.”
“Why is everyone assuming I’m breaking up?” He lowered his voice. “Don’t scream.” Digging in his pocket, he pulled out the diamond ring he’d had in there since picking Gabriela up at the airport.
“Oh. My. God,” Natalie whispered, hands over her mouth. “When are you doing it?”
“In a bit, maybe sunset?” Upon saying it, he couldn’t help but grin.
“Don’t act crazy, she’ll notice.”
“Notice what?” Henry pushed between them.
Gabriela and his parents sat about chatting naturally, the trio often discussing movies and television series that they’d taken up to watching together online. Her mother had also joined in, which had given them an opportunity to get to know each other.
When his mother motioned to the doorway with her head, Jeremy realized he’d procrastinated long enough.
“Let’s go out to the porch and watch the sun set; it’s pretty nice from here,” he told Gabriela, who smiled and allowed him to guide her outside.
The sun cooperated perfectly, the bright colors on the horizon were breathtaking.
“Oh my goodness. That’s just too beautiful for words.” Gabriela stretched out her arms as if trying to touch the colorful rays. “I can see a partial sunrise from my apartment, but it’s nothing like this.”
Jeremy took advantage of her distraction to dig out the ring and lower to one knee. It took a moment for Gabriela to realize what happened. She looked down at him, then over to the group now gathered in the doorway. Her eyes then widened, and she covered her mouth with both hands.
“Gabriela Diaz, I love you with all my heart. Will you marry me and make me the happiest man on earth?” The last words caught in his throat. Everything else he’d practiced saying exited his brain and he stared up at her wondering why she hesitated.
When she hugged him around the neck, he realized she’d said something, but he’d missed it over the thundering of his heart in his ears.
“Did you say yes?” he asked.
Teary eyes met his as Gabriela nodded. “Yes, Jeremy Hawkins. I will marry you.”
Her parents and Henry erupted into cheers and clapping while all he could do was hold the precious woman close, not wanting to ever let her go.
Back in his apartment a few hours later, they lay in bed, his arms around her as she admired the ring on her finger.
“It’s perfect. You made a good choice. It’s exactly what I would have chosen.”
“I’m glad you like it.” He kissed her temple. “I wouldn’t have minded if you wanted to exchange it.”
Her eyes widened. “No, it’s special that you thought of me when you bought this. I would never exchange it.”
“Not even for a bigger one?” Jeremy chuckled.
“Nope,” Gabriela said adding several nods for emphasis. She lifted her face up to his. “My parents didn’t seem surprised at the news. You spoke to them, didn’t you?”
Jeremy had called and spoken to her father and mother several times. They had given him their blessing, which meant a great deal to Jeremy. “Yes. Your father’s main concern was whether he could come out here and spend summers at the ranch.”
Gabriela was quiet for a beat. “So you’re assuming we’re going to live here?”
“Not at all.” Jeremy was quick to assure her. “I plan to come to San Diego and apply at the police department there. I can’t demand you leave everything and come here.”
“How can you be so perfect? I love you so much. I want to marry you so bad.” Gabriela lifted up and began planting kisses all over his face. Every inch of his chest filled with pride at her exclamations.
When she fell over him and kissed his throat and neck, emotions took over and he let out a sigh. No matter where he lived, it would be perfect as long as they were together.
Gabriela looked down at him. “Let’s take it one step at a time. Come to San Diego and spend a couple weeks. Let’s
