It was a huge day for Ava Tillman, in more ways than one. That night she had been showcasing her paintings at an art museum. To think, just a few years before Shawn himself had apprehended her for vandalizing the mayor’s office . She had assured him she wasn’t a criminal but it took months for her to convince him. It didn’t take that long for the pair to fall in love, though. It was love at first sight for Shawn, but he was too embarrassed to tell her that. Or, so that was what he said as he dropped down on one knee that night. “Shawn, what are you doing?” Ava cried, watching the man pull out a ring.
“I know I haven’t been the most committal person. The idea of getting married scared me a little, but after everything that has happened so far in our lives I don’t want to wait any longer. I know you’re the woman for me and I can’t stand the idea of living as your boyfriend any longer. I want to be your husband. Start a family. Have our kids running around with big goofy grins on their faces with us, loving them and giving them all we can.”
“What?” Ava repeated, feeling the tears welling in her eyes. “Am I dreaming right now? Are you for real? Are you serious?”
“I’m serious,” Shawn replied. “So, please say yes.” He shut his eyes, ready to accept the inevitable no. Perhaps he had waited too long. Maybe his job was too dangerous. There was a plethora of reasons he could think of that washed away once she threw her arms around him and said yes.
“Of course I’ll marry you! I’d love to be a Gray. Now and forever.” She reached up and wiped her tears, leaning in to kiss her fiancé on the lips. “I thought you’d never ask. But I’m glad you came to your senses.”
“My job doesn’t scare you? I’m in the line of fire more now that I was promoted?” Shawn asked.
“It’s dangerous, sure, but you’re meant to be out on the field. You’ve put a lot of bad people in jail and saved even more. Hidden Springs needs a good guy like you to clean up the mess that the last guy left.” The two embraced, preparing for the biggest change of their live with the excitement never leaving their eyes.
