Edge nodded, smiled. “Yeah, and I was right.”

“Yes, you were. Marrying Abby was the best decision of my life.”

Edge set his Coke on the bar. It wasn’t like Gage to show up at his door for no reason. “What are you trying to tell me, bro?”

Gage’s blue eyes met his. “The way I see it, you and Skye are perfect for each other. If you go back in the army instead of staying here and building a life with her, I’m worried you’re going to regret it.”

Edge felt the beat of his heart picking up, pounding a painful rhythm inside his chest. “You’re right. It took me a while to figure things out. I’m in love with her. After we came back from your expedition in Mexico, the attraction I felt for her just kept getting stronger. I told myself to leave her alone, but it was impossible to do.”

“I could see how much she meant to you whenever the two of you were together.”

“I was just beginning to figure things out when I found out about Bradley Markham. It seemed like the time had finally come to clear my name, go back in the army, and get on with my life. But once I was back at Fort Campbell, I began to realize it wasn’t the army I wanted. It was Skye.”

Gage smiled. “I thought you’d figure it out—eventually. I’m a little surprised it took you so long.”

“I’m going to ask her to marry me, Gage. If she says yes, I won’t re-up. I’ll stay in Denver with Skye.”

A broad grin stretched over his brother’s face. “I should have known you’d come to your senses.” Gage stuck out a big, suntanned hand. “Congratulations.”

Edge ignored the handshake. “Not yet. I have no idea how Skye feels about me. I’m not sure she’ll say yes.”

“She loves you. She’ll say yes.”

But Edge wasn’t completely sure. Skye had a mind of her own. He might not fit into her plans for the future.

Gage checked the time on his phone. “Let’s go get that beer. A couple of drinks might help you get your courage up to propose to the lady you love.”

Edge nodded, hoping his brother was right.

It was dark by the time they reached the Fainting Goat. Trace was waiting near the front door with Conn.

“I got us a table in the backroom,” Conn said.

Edge followed him, less enthusiastic by the minute. He didn’t want a beer with his friends. He wanted to talk to Skye. He shouldn’t have waited.

He started to say he had changed his mind, when Conn opened the door to the backroom and stepped aside so he could look inside.

A cheer went up that echoed against the walls of the room. “Surprise!”