Chapter 65: Chapter 65

RJ bent down on one knee and looked up. Pad covered his mouth, and then tears streamed.

“Padrick McLaughlin, pain in my ass, laugh of my life, the person who makes me smile,” RJ choked out. “I can’t imagine life without you. You’ve made me a better person and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” His voice trembling, he held up a ring with a rainbow of colored gemstones. “Will you marry me?”

Pad’s tears covered his fingers, and he nodded.

Jack screamed. “I don’t hear him saying anything.”

“Yes! RJ!” Pad continued to nod.

RJ stood, his face near to Pad’s, and moved closer. RJ kissed Pad, their lips barely touching, as RJ embraced him. “I love you so much, Pad.”

“I love you too.” Pad whispered, wiping the tears.

RJ heard the clapping, whistling, and hollering.

“Whew!” RJ snorted. “I’m glad you said, ‘Yes.’”

“Of course, the answer is yes.”

Ann came closer with a violet orchid, which RJ took from her. “Do you remember the purple orchids we would see in Thailand?”