Slay Bells - Hildie McQueen Page 0,30
better not break up with me right after sex. I will find your service piece and unload it.”
He couldn’t help finding the humor in the situation. “You’re going to shoot me?”
Gabriela rolled her pretty eyes. “No, but I’ll shoot up everything in this room.”
Admittedly, he’d started the conversation off wrong. On second thought, perhaps he’d wait and propose fully dressed. The ranch would make a good backdrop, and he could ask his mother to take a picture or something. Damn, he was turning into a mushy bastard.
Fingers snapping got his attention. Gabriela had yanked on her panties and was now fastening her bra. “Talk. What is it?”
He sat up and was glad he’d been working out when her gaze traveled down his chest to his flat stomach.
“On second thought, we can talk later. I’m considering how to see each other more often.”
“I don’t believe you.” Gabriela’s eyes narrowed. “You’re up to something. Is it that woman Carol?”
“Cassandra?”
“Whatever. You’re on and off again relationship hootchie.”
He chuckled. “No, I haven’t spoken to her since she walked up to the table that one night.”
“Hmmm.”
They finished dressing; the entire time Jeremy kept kissing Gabriela as she remained annoyed. It was wrong, but he enjoyed it tremendously. Damn, he was in deep.
His cell rang.
“Hey man.” It was Henry. When he called it meant something was up. It was never good.
“What are you up to?”
“I’m at the station. Got arrested for…”
“He’s a public nuisance,” Williams said, obviously taking the phone from Henry. “He was in the grocery store parking lot telling people not to buy oranges.”
“What’s wrong with that?” Jeremy asked.
“He was stabbing the fruit and making a mess. Scared the crap out of my Aunt Betty.”
“What do you want me to do about it?”
“Nothing, I’m not sure why he called you.”
“Drop him off at the ranch. I’ll warn Mom.”
“What’s for supper?” Henry called out.
The entire drive to the ranch, Gabriela slid him questioning looks. “Are you going to tell me you’re gay?”
“Nope.”
“That you’re not into being long distance anymore?”
“Nope.” He leaned over and grinned. “It’s really not that big of a deal.”
“Promise?”
“Nope.”
They walked into his parent’s house and immediately Gabriela was pulled into tight hugs by both his parents. As per usual, they congregated in the kitchen where coffee, tea and cake was always available.
“What is wrong with you?” His mother joined him by the counter where Jeremy was pouring coffee for himself and Gabriela. “You’re acting jerky.”
“Jerky?”
She gave him a bland look. “If you are breaking up with her, I’m going to kill you.”
“Why is everyone assuming I’m breaking up?” He lowered his voice. “Don’t scream.” Digging in his pocket, he pulled out the diamond ring he’d had in there since picking Gabriela up at the airport.
“Oh. My. God,” Natalie whispered, hands over her mouth. “When are you doing it?”
“In a bit, maybe sunset?” Upon saying it, he couldn’t help but grin.
“Don’t act crazy, she’ll notice.”
“Notice what?” Henry pushed between them.
Gabriela and his parents sat about chatting naturally, the trio often discussing movies and television series that they’d taken up to watching together online. Her mother had also joined in, which had given them an opportunity to get to know each other.
When his mother motioned to the doorway with her head, Jeremy realized he’d procrastinated long enough.
“Let’s go out to the porch and watch the sun set; it’s pretty nice from here,” he told Gabriela, who smiled and allowed him to guide her outside.
The sun cooperated perfectly, the bright colors on the horizon were breathtaking.
“Oh my goodness. That’s just too beautiful for words.” Gabriela stretched out her arms as if trying to touch the colorful rays. “I can see a partial sunrise from my apartment, but it’s nothing like this.”
Jeremy took advantage of her distraction to dig out the ring and lower to one knee. It took a moment for Gabriela to realize what happened. She looked down at him, then over to the group now gathered in the doorway. Her eyes then widened, and she covered her mouth with both hands.
“Gabriela Diaz, I love you with all my heart. Will you marry me and make me the happiest man on earth?” The last words caught in his throat. Everything else he’d practiced saying exited his brain and he stared up at her wondering why she hesitated.
When she hugged him around the neck, he realized she’d said something, but he’d missed it over the thundering of his heart in his ears.
“Did you say yes?” he asked.
Teary eyes met his as Gabriela nodded. “Yes, Jeremy