Page 118 of Shadow Redemption

Ruth smiled and held out her hand with the engagement ring. “Look.”

Her sister squealed and hugged her. “Congratulations! It’s about time Ben manned up.”

“Hey!” Ben protested. “I was giving her time to get used to me, all right?”

“Good job, buddy,” Trace said and clapped him on the shoulder.

His mother hugged him, tears in her eyes. “I’m happy for you, son. She’s a wonderful woman. I hope you two have many years of happiness together.”

“Thanks, Mom.” His words came out strangled.

“How soon is the wedding?” Bridget asked.

“If I had my choice, it would be tomorrow.” Ben smiled at Ruth. “However, I think Ruth will want a day or two to plan and buy a dress or something.”

The women laughed.

“I think Valentine’s Day.” Ruth hugged Yoda who had hopped onto her lap. “I think that should be perfect.”

He’d already waited a year for this woman. He could wait six more weeks. Maybe. Perhaps his new mission should be persuading her to consider a date earlier than February 14. He was a SEAL and SEALs never failed to complete a mission. Loving Ruth was going to be the sweetest, most important mission of his life.