Fiery by Nikki Duncan Page A

him to Aimee to Josh to the Justice of the Peace standing behind him and back to Ryan.
    “What are you doing?” Her voice was a quivering whisper.
    He wasn’t sure his would be any stronger so he cleared his throat. “Carmen Smith, we haven’t known each other long.”
    “Duh.”
    “Our relationship has been contentious and angry at times.”
    “No kidding.”
    “But it’s been silent and fun at others.”
    She nodded.
    “Even when you’re not speaking to me or falling asleep in my arms I want only to be with you.”
    “Ryan.” She swallowed, but it did nothing to stop the tear slipping down her cheek.
    “I love you, Carmen Smith.” He pulled a ring from inside his belt and offered it. “Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
    She looked from him to the Justice of the Peace and back. “Now? Here?”
    “Yes.”
    “We can’t. We have to file paperwork and get blood tests.”
    “So it’s an unofficial marriage for a few days.” He took her left hand in his and brushed a finger along her palm. “What do you say?”
    “You make me miserable when you’re not making me laugh. You’re stubborn and will have to learn I am not a grunt you can command.”
    “If you’ll allow me to make one command, now, I’ll take an answer.”
    Aimee sniffled from his side, but he only watched Carmen. She only watched him. Then, she nodded slowly. “Yes. I will marry you.”
    He released a whoop as he stood and pulled her into a hug. His hand was shaking as he slipped the engagement ring on her finger. His body was trembling as he picked her up to kiss her.
    The band blew to life with a rousing round of their fight song. He’d heard it for years when the football team made a touchdown. It was sort of like a homecoming to hear it being played for him. With Carmen at his side he knew he was home and he would never doubt his place again.
    “Go, Gunny!” Byron cheered in the microphone. “ That is how a public declaration is made. Wouldn’t you say, Errol? Harold?”

Chapter Nine
    Carmen had been dreading the parade, and had grown sadder the closer she came to the reveal. Ryan had said that morning he had to take his dad to a doctor appointment and might not make it back in time, but then he’d been there, ready to surprise her, when she revealed what they’d worked so hard on. He’d made her prouder than she thought possible. And happier.
    Almost as soon as she’d said yes, the crowd had parted and his mother, father and sister had joined them in the gazebo while friends gathered around the outside edges. The ceremony had been short, and Carmen didn’t even care that he wasn’t officially her husband in the state’s eyes. She would never again wonder how he felt about her or how she fit with him. The man she’d fallen in love with between fights and voicemails had given her the gift of a loving family.
    Ryan wrapped an arm around her shoulder as they neared her apartment. “You’re shaking.”
    “Still in shock I guess.”
    At the door, he turned her into him and kissed her. In the last month the only time he’d touched her in public was when she’d hurt herself. Every other touch had been private, and while that was fine with her, there was an excitement in having him kiss her and hold her where people could see.
    Carmen moved her mouth beneath his, opening for him when his tongue pressed against her lips. He tasted of the apple pie he’d found at the parade, saying it was the best substitute to a wedding cake.
    Her hands rested on his stomach, her fingers curled into the thick coat he’d worn all day without complaint. Easing back, she looked up at him. “You look really sexy in this uniform, Gunny.”
    “You look pretty damn amazing in that dress, Woman. So proper I’ve wanted to dishevel you and lead you to disgrace since that curtain dropped.”
    She smiled and played with one of his buttons. “Would you mind unlocking the door so we can get inside?”
    “My pleasure.”
    “It will