Gray Back Ghost Bear(39)

“Thank you,” she whispered. “I love it.”

Easton nodded and offered her a shy smile as he eased back beside Creed.

When she looked at Jason, he’d dropped to one knee, holding a box with a thin gold band lined with tiny diamonds. It was perfect as it glinted in the sunlight that streamed through the windows.

Willa and Gia whooped and howled, and the boys clapped slowly.

Tears burned Georgia’s eyes instantly, and she clasped her hand over her mouth to keep her emotions quiet.

“Georgia, you’ve saved me in more ways than you can ever know,” Jason murmured. “I still can’t believe someone as caring, as strong, and as beautiful as you could choose a man like me, but it makes me want to be better for you. You have that effect on people, drawing out their best selves. I’m proud to have you on my arm and proud to bear your mark. And I’m damn proud that you bear my mark.”

“Marks,” Willa corrected.

The scars on her shoulders tingled at the mention of them. Georgia didn’t remember him biting her, but she was eternally happy he had.

Jason huffed a laugh and nodded. “Marks.” He lifted his clear, steady eyes to hers. “And I’d be proud if you took my last name, too. Georgia Ames, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

Her tears spilled over as she nodded her answer.

Jason slipped the ring on her finger, then stood and lifted her off her feet, crushing her against him. He spun slowly as the Gray Backs rushed them. She was being squashed by them and couldn’t draw a deep breath, but she didn’t care.

Her crew was fierce. They fought like titans, but when it came down to it, they protected each other. They joked about being a broken crew, a C-team, but she didn’t see that. Their flaws made her Gray Backs beautiful.

Georgia looked down at her mate. Her happy smile was reflected in his eyes.

He was strong and protective—trustworthy with her heart.

He’d given her a life that fulfilled her and friends who would always be there for her, but more importantly than all of that, he’d given himself.

His struggles could’ve shattered him, but he’d fought to keep his bear in control for all those years since his last mate had passed.

And now, Tessa was gone, and he was free.

Jason spoke of how strong and caring she was, but Georgia was the lucky one.

He’d banished his ghosts for her.