“Why is everyone here?”
“They’re here to witness something.”
“Rose,” Daisy said.
She turned as the other woman wrapped her arms around Rose. Glancing up at Peter, Rose smiled in return.
“What’s everyone doing here?” Rose asked.
“They’re all here for Peter’s surprise.”
The other woman left, leaving her and Peter some space.
“What’s going on?” Rose turned to Peter wanting some answers.
He stroked her cheek. “I had no idea how to do this, and then I thought asking you all alone wouldn’t make it special. I want you to remember this moment for years to come and for you to know that you mean the world to me.”
She listened as everyone grew silent.
“I’ve not known you very long, but our time together has been the best part of my life. There is no one else I would want in this world other than you. Rose, I love you with my whole heart. My life with you would be complete.”
Rose gasped as he went down on one knee.
“Rose, will you marry me?”
The room was deadly silent.
“I stink, Peter.”
“And I still love you. I’m never going to stop loving you.”
Laughing, Rose nodded. “Yes, yes, yes, a million times yes. I’ll marry you.”
Peter stood, lifting her up in his arms. She wrapped her legs around his waist. Cheers went up. Rose didn’t listen to them. Her happiness was being in Peter’s arms as he swung her around.
“How is this going to be the best proposal ever?” Edward asked.
When Peter put her on her feet she turned to see Edward smiling. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You’re covered with stains, and you stink,” Edward said. “I know you do because I do.”
Rose smiled. Peter’s arms were around her stomach. The tips of his fingers caressed the underside of her breast.
“This was perfect.” She would remember this moment for the rest of her life. There was no way she was going to forget her smelly clothes, aching feet, and the smile on Peter’s face when she said yes.
“You don’t even have a ring,” Edward said.
“Fuck, I knew I forgot something.” Peter grabbed the box out of his pocket. “Here you go, baby,” he said. He slid a small diamond engagement ring on her finger. “There, now it’s perfect,” Peter said.
Rose lifted her hand in the air to look at the ring. “I didn’t need a ring.”
“Every woman deserves an engagement ring.”
He tilted her head back, kissing her lips.
When Peter finally let her go, Rose was embraced by all his friends. Even though Gabriel was tense from the case, he embraced her and wished her congratulations. Rose didn’t bring Kelly up. Laura looked so happy, and so did Dean. Peter was busy talking with William and Daisy, leaving her alone with the other happy couple.
“You have no idea how happy we are for Peter and for you,” Laura said, hugging her.
“I didn’t know Peter was going to propose.” Rose kept playing with the ring on her finger. Laura looked at Dean with a smile.
“He let us know about his plans last night. You’ve made him whole, honey. I’ve never seen him so happy. You bring out the best in him.”
Rose glowed from the compliment. “I hope we’ll be present for some of the barbeques and stuff.”
She saw the couple stare at her. Feeling embarrassed Rose stumbled over her words. “I-I mean, D-Daisy said that he’s, erm, been somewhat absent. I was hoping to change that. That’s all. I’m not expecting an invitation.”
Cringing at her words, Rose looked down at the floor.
“We look forward to it. Peter has been missed, and it would be nice to get to know you,” Dean said, shaking her hand.
She smiled.
Turning around she saw Peter on his own, looking at her. There was wickedness to his smile. She knew he was thinking about something naughty. Going to him, Rose wrapped her arms around his waist.
“Let’s take you home. I want to fuck you so damned hard.”
“Charming.”
“I’ve got a whole life time to be crude and charming. You’re my woman now.” Peter dropped a kiss to her lips, and Rose felt like the luckiest woman in the world.
Chapter Fourteen
Three months later
In the last few months a lot had changed in Peter’s life. He’d organised the fastest church wedding in the history of the record books, or at least to him he had. Rose had loved the fact he wanted to get married as quickly as possible. The day had been perfect, and he’d taken her away to England with Edward trailing behind them for a honeymoon. Their days hadn’t been filled with sunshine and beaches, but they’d been stuck in bed in a five star hotel. He couldn’t complain, and he knew Rose hadn’t wanted to return home.