The past six months had passed by in a blur. But throughout it all, one thing was perfectly clear to Sydney. She was in love with Max Preston. Totally and completely.
They’d taken things slowly since he’d rescued her from Rick, but their relationship was growing stronger by the day.
Max said he had a surprise for her today, so she arrived at his house wondering what he had planned.
He opened the door smiling and looking incredibly handsome.
“Come on in.”
“So what’s going on?” She stepped into the living room and faced him.
“Syd, I know how much you loved your cat, Bach.” He led her to the couch where they sat down. “First, I wanted to let you know that I did some investigating and found out that Bach got adopted after he recovered and is doing really well in his new home.”
“Max, that is so thoughtful.”
“But that’s not the only reason I asked you to come over.”
She smiled at him. “You’re really building up the anticipation here.”
He stood up. “Close your eyes for a minute. I promise I’ll be right back.”
Her heartbeat sped up as she wondered what the surprise was, but she did as he asked and closed her eyes.
“No peeking.” He laughed.
Just a few moments later she could hear footsteps coming back into the living room.
“Okay, Syd, open your eyes.”
Standing in front of her was Max holding a small furry black kitten. She felt tears instantly fill her eyes. “Oh, Max.”
“I thought you were ready for a new addition. I wanted you to name him, but I adopted him from the animal shelter.”
“He’s mine?” She took a step closer.
“I hope he’s ours.”
And that’s when she saw it. Hanging from the tiny blue collar around the kitten’s neck was something sparkly, and it wasn’t a nametag. No, it was a ring.
Max handed her the kitten who meowed loudly. Then he dropped to one knee.
“Sydney Berry, I love you more than I ever thought would be possible. I want to make a life with you. A family, starting with this precious kitten and then our children. You’re the only woman for me. Will you make me the happiest man on this earth and marry me?”
As she looked down into his eyes, she knew there was only one answer. “Yes, Max. I will.”
“No looking back.”
The kitten purred loudly in her arms as Max stood and removed the ring from his collar. He slid the diamond onto her finger. Then he sealed the proposal with a kiss.
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Keep reading for an excerpt from THE PROTECTOR’S MISSION by Margaret Daley