His to Protect - Em Petrova Page 0,67
to hook the dogs’ leashes in place and lead them out for a short walk.
When she entered the church, she spotted Bodhi right away. Seated in a pew, his back to her, head bowed. Her heart flipped over at seeing him again. Would that ever stop? She hoped not. Didn’t seem possible either, not with the power of her feelings.
She moved up behind him. He heard her footsteps and whirled while gaining his feet in the same motion. As he closed his arms around her, she smiled up into his eyes.
He didn’t look happy. “You left without telling me.”
“You were engaged. No one could tear you away from your computer monitor.”
He groaned. “I’m sorry. I get too engrossed in my work. I ignored you.”
She shook her head. “I went to visit Scarlett.”
“That’s why you were gone the whole day. You drove all that distance without me. You’ve gotta be exhausted.” He brushed her hair over her shoulder.
“I am. But I needed some time with her.”
He studied her face. “Is everything all right? Scarlett’s okay?”
“Yes, she is.”
“And you? My beautiful woman.” He kissed her, long and deep. A thrill hit her low in the belly as she returned the soft strokes of his tongue.
Pulling away, she said, “I’m great now that I’m with you. But I’ve got something to show you.”
That crease appeared between his brows. She smiled at the sight of it and then looked down at his entire body, taking in the broad shoulders filling out his favorite—her favorite too—NERD T-shirt, his low-slung jeans and leather boots.
Taking him by the hand, she offered him a private smile and then led him through the church, past the beautiful depiction of Heaven on the rear wall behind the altar, and then down the hallway. At the door adjoining the hall to the church, she paused.
“What are you up to, woman?”
“This!” With that exclamation, she shoved open the double doors to the yells of Surprise!
Bodhi stumbled at the outburst, and his gaze shot around the room to all his friends—and the family that held him together when he needed it most. His gaze landed on hers, and she saw all the tenderness seeping into his eyes.
“Come here, you sneaky, amazing woman.” He brushed his lips over hers as people began a chorus of Happy Birthday.
Oz wheeled over the cake, flaming with candles, and Bodhi puffed up, reared back and blew them out in one go. Everyone applauded, and then from a side room, Sloane heard a small yipping bark, followed by a deeper one from one of the other dogs.
Bodhi heard it too and whipped his head around.
Sloane hurried to the door and opened it. All three dogs exploded out into the room. She barely caught the leashes, and the trio practically dragged her over to her man.
His eyes burned as he stared at the animals. “What is this?”
“Well, this one is your birthday present.” She pointed to the pit bull mix. “But then I couldn’t leave this little guy behind. He’s blind as a bat and it will take us some time to acclimate him to our apartment, but…” She shrugged.
He shook his head as if in amazement. “And the beagle?”
“He just sort of jumped into my car. I couldn’t leave him behind. Is it okay that we suddenly have such a big family?”
He stared at her. “My God, Sloane. Okay? It’s amazing. You’re amazing. I love you so much.” He dragged her into his chest to hold her tight, and she buried her face against his neck to breathe in his masculine scent. After a long minute, he broke away to crouch and greet his new pets with ear rubs.
“Everyone, a toast!” Oz called out, lifting a glass high. Someone placed drinks in her and Bodhi’s hands, and they raised them as well. “To a great friend and an integral part of the Church. To North.”
“To North!” they echoed and drank to him.
He turned to Sloane again, a gentle smile on his face. “I love you so much. I can’t believe you organized this without me knowing. But you’re not the only one who’s good at surprises.”
He reached into his pocket and held up a diamond ring in front of her eyes. “Say yes, baby. Say it’s forever.”
Heart pounding with excitement, she noticed how quiet the room had become. Her insides shook. The only thing that could make this moment better would be if Scarlett were here to witness it. But soon she’d have her sister to share in wedding