job, including a sign-on bonus that had been offered by human resources for that position, I’d bought Hudson a dive watch.
A week or two ago, he’d said something about losing his dive watch, and that he should get a new one since he’d offered to take me out and teach me to scuba dive.
Okay, it wasn’t a Rolex or something outrageous, but it had been affordable with all the features Hudson would need.
“I want to wear it,” he insisted. “It’s really nice, Taylor. I love it. And thanks for handling dinner.”
I’d made lasagna since I’d had plenty of time to do it before Hudson got home.
I shrugged. “You were working late. I didn’t mind.”
Although he usually got home at a decent hour these days, he’d had a special meeting that had kept him at the headquarters longer than usual today.
“You work all day, too, sweetheart,” he said as he closed the dishwasher, and turned it on.
“I cooked, you cleaned,” I teased him, knowing he was very aware of the fact that I’d been watching him from my seat at the breakfast bar.
In a more serious voice I added, “I love my job so much. I got placed on such an amazing team, and I don’t feel like an idiot. I think I have a lot to contribute. I’m so glad you encouraged me to take this position.”
“You seem really happy, so I’m glad you accepted,” he said with a grin as he came toward me and held out his hand. “Should we take a walk and check out the sunset?”
Hudson had changed into jeans and a T-shirt when he’d gotten home, and I’d put on a pair of shorts and a casual top.
“Sure.” I took his hand, happy we could sneak in some outdoor time.
Really, I was happy doing anything with Hudson.
It seemed like every single day, I found one more thing to love about him.
Honestly, my life seemed almost scarily perfect.
The only thing I was still worried about was Harlow. We talked every day, and now that she was back in her own apartment, we had plans to meet up. But she still didn’t sound like herself right now.
Hudson and I strolled down the beach, watching as the sun started to set.
“Okay, so, I’m about to ask you for favor number three,” he said, sounding a little bit nervous.
I stopped. “Is something wrong?”
He shook his head as he dug into his front pocket. “No, baby, everything is very right, but I want a favor.”
I let out a relieved breath. “Ask me. Whatever you want.”
He lifted a brow as he pulled out a little black box from his pocket. “This one is kind of a big one,” he warned.
I beamed at him. “Lay it on me. I’m sure I can handle it.”
“This is more about whether or not you can handle me,” he said huskily as he flipped the box open. “For a lifetime.”
I let out an audible gasp as I saw exactly what he was holding.
“Marry me, Taylor. Put me out of my misery. Favor number three—please say yes.”
The ring was absolutely gorgeous, and it was all diamonds, so it flashed brightly in its bed of black velvet. There was one large center stone, surrounded by a smaller circle of gems. It was set in either platinum or white gold. “Oh, my, God, Hudson. That ring is beautiful. I think you already know that my answer is yes. Yes, yes, yes!”
He grinned, looking relieved as he pulled the ring out, and slipped it onto my finger. “I love you, Taylor.”
I threw my arms around him the moment the ring was on my finger. “I love you, too, Hudson.” I pulled back to kiss him.
The embrace was long, and filled with emotion and tenderness.
I was breathless when it was over.
“Can we get things ready soon?” he asked.
“How soon?” I asked, my voice filled with excitement.
“Next month?” he said hopefully.
“Only if you want to run off to Vegas,” I joked.
“I’ll let you decide on a date.” He kissed the top of my head. “Really, I’m just damn glad you said yes.”
“Like there was ever any question that I would,” I said as I smiled at him.
Hudson turned me around, his arms circling me from behind, so we could watch the last of the sunset together.
I leaned back against him with a happy, thoroughly contented sigh.
As usual, Mac had given me sound advice.
The right guy had definitely been worth the wait.
~The End~
Jax's story Billionaire Unexpected will be released on March 2nd,2021 and