“It’s not like that.”
Lara coughs a quick muffled, “Bullshit.”
“Language.”
“Sorry, Daddy.”
“Let’s go eat. I’m hungry.” I slide my arm around Lara’s waist.
“Good. My mother is so excited to cook for you. Seriously, she’s thrilled.”
We all walk downstairs, her father closing the bedroom door and Danny taking the rear for safety like there’s a threat. Strangely, I feel it as well.
Everything is excellent, and dinner goes smoothly. “Love, do you want to take a walk?”
“Sounds wonderful.” She smiles brightly, and I love it. The stars are shining perfectly, and it’s the right time to finally ask her.
With a light sweater wrapped around her, I lead Lara out off the porch and down through the front of the ranch. We take a path. “There’s the barn that way, and the lake is that way.”
“Is it lit by the lake?”
“There’s a nice lighted deck.”
“Let’s go that way, then.” I hold her hand, feeling the breeze of the changing seasons kicking in. Summer’s turning to fall much quicker here. “Are you warm enough?”
“Yes. Besides, I can snuggle up with you, Landon.”
“I like that, Angel. Give me those lips.” She tilts her head up, and I take her mouth in a deep kiss, sliding my tongue inside for a moment before the sound of hooting distracts me.
“It’s just owls.”
“I know, but we’re not where I want to be with you yet. We’ll never make it before it gets too late.”
“You have a point.” I can see the lake coming up and our destination just fifty feet away. My heart picks up the pace as I think about my question. I already know the answer because we’ve discussed it and honestly, I’ve made it clear. Still, the idea of seeing any doubt in her eyes sends a chill up my spine. Lara’s the most important person in the world to me.
“Here we are.” The lakefront gazebo is beautiful. It’s lit with solar lights as I take her hand and lead her over to the bench.
I drop to one knee as I pull out the ring. “Lara, I know we’ve only known each other a short time, but I’ve made my intentions clear. I love you, body and soul. I need you like I need my next breath. Will you do me the honor of marrying me?”
A smile spreads over her face that melts my dark heart. “Of course, Landon. I love you more than words can say.” She throws herself into my arms and we fall back to the wooden deck as she straddles me, grinding her pussy on my slacks as I thread my hands into her hair and bring her face to mine for a kiss.
“Mine.” The words have such a powerful effect on her because she’s reaching for my belt.
“Not here. It’s not safe.”
“What?”
“Safe? No one’s out here.”
“You don’t know that.” Suddenly, there’s a crack of a branch that gets our attention. She scrambles off me. We look, and it’s Danny in the distance.
“See. I’d have to take his eyes out.”
“Yeah, not too big of a deal, but I think Kelly would mind.”
“You don’t want to upset your bestie, now, would you?”
“Nope. And besides, I think he’s your buddy too.”