Forsaken Trail (Runaway, #4)

by Devney Perry

“The struggle is what affirms you’re alive. Without it, the bright moments don’t shine.”

“Your sarcasm has really blossomed since Aria moved here.” She laughed. “What can I say? She brings out the best in people.”

“Thank you for loving Aria.” “I will until the day I die.”

When a layer of orange coated the sky, I dug the ring that I’d pulled from the safe earlier out of my pocket. “Aria Saint-James?” “Yes, Brody Carmichael?” I grinned and turned her to face me. Then I dropped to a knee, the ring in hand. “Marry me.” “W-what?” She did a double take at the five-carat Harry Winston. “Will you marry me?” “Seriously? You just promised two hours ago not to buy me anything for a year.” “I said anything new. This isn’t new. I’ve had it for a week.” She blinked. “You have?” “Can we focus, please? I asked you a question.” “I kind of like seeing you on your knees.” I shook my head and the ring. “You’re impossible.” “Someone has to keep your ego in check.” I chuckled. “You’re doing a damn fine job at the moment. You’re shredding it to pieces here, baby.” “We can’t have that.” She touched a fingertip to the ring and smiled. “Yes. I’ll marry you.” I surged to my feet and sealed it, crushing her to my chest as I swept my tongue into her mouth. Mine. She was mine. From now until forever, the one thing in this world not for sale was the best gift of my life. She laughed, breaking the kiss. “That ring is too big.” “You’ll get used to it.” Aria leaned into me. “I love you.” “I love you too.” I kept her in my arms as we faced the sunset again. “What do you think? Want to stay in Arizona? Or go back to Oregon?” “Arizona is growing on me. And besides, it’s where the Cadillac brought me.” “So?” She tipped her chin up and smiled. “You can’t argue with that Cadillac.”

“What kind of parents are we that we can’t give him a name?” “The indecisive kind.”

“I hate it when you win our fights.” “Were we fighting?” “In my head.”