I giggled as he finally let me up for air to put the ring on my finger.

“It’s beautiful,” I whispered against his lips. “It’s perfect.”

“You’re perfect,” he murmured, kissing me again.

“That’s enough. Let her up.” Milly’s voice cut through. “Let us congratulate you.”

Roane’s expression fell for some reason, and I swore I saw anxiety flicker in his eyes as he whispered hurriedly, “Evie, there’s something we need to talk about.”

A muffled, animalistic roar made me jolt in surprise, and as one the entire pub looked up at the ceiling.

“Dad!” We heard Viola’s muted shriek.

My gaze shot to Milly, who paled and started walking away from us toward the bar.

Feet pounding down the stairs halted her, and Roane and I slowly stood as Viola’s shouts were overwhelmed by Dex’s angry yelling.

Soon enough we knew why, as Lucas appeared out of the staff only door still pulling on his shirt. His back was turned toward us, and his hands were held up in defense as Dex followed him out.

Holding a shotgun.

“Where did he get that?” I squeaked.

“It’ll be Milly’s father’s.” Roane’s voice was tight as he gently pressed me back. “Stay here.” He didn’t, however, stay. He cautiously started walking toward Milly, who was frozen in place with shock.

As was every single patron there.

“Dad!” Viola crashed into the room, her clothes askew, her face flushed, and her hair rumpled.

Oh dear.

Things were becoming clear.

“Vi, get out of here,” Lucas demanded.

“Don’t you talk to her.” Dex waved the gun. “Don’t you even look at her. I see you here again and I will fucking kill you.”

Dex was a pretty laid-back guy. I’d never seen him pissed, let alone enraged.

“Dad, no!” Viola forced herself between them, struggling against Lucas, who was determinedly trying to get her out of the way.

“Will you lower the fucking gun off her!” Lucas yelled at Dex as Viola stubbornly fought to remain between them.

“You leave and I won’t have to bother with the gun.”

“Dex,” Milly called out quietly. “Dex, put away the gun.”

“Not until he promises to never see Viola again,” Dex demanded, eyes narrowed on Lucas.

Viola’s eyes flashed with fury. “I expected this of his dad, not mine!”

Dex faltered. “Vi—”

“I love him! If he goes, I go!” She turned to him, all tortured young love, and if I weren’t already swooning over Roane’s proposal, I would have swooned over this scene. “I love you, Lucas.”

He stared down at her with such adoration, I melted. “I love you too, Vi.”