“And just to say,” she went at him again when they were inside, “you couldn’t have parked further away. Johnny Rockets is all the way at the other side.”

“Seein’ as I mighta been here once, but I don’t remember if I have because I blocked it, I don’t have it memorized.”

This was true.

Mostly.

“Whatever,” she said but he could hear her smile.

He could also feel her thumb in his belt loop.

Which meant, when they’d moved through the mall and he made his turn, she had to come with him.

“Jo—”

She cut herself off and he knew why.

She couldn’t miss the store they were in.

Since he’d scoped it out, he didn’t waste time and guided her right where they needed to be.

Silently, Carissa followed him.

While Travis babbled and kicked his feet, Joker positioned the stroller sideways against the display case so the kid had a view before he hooked Carrie’s waist and pulled her close.

“Hello,” a salesperson greeted them. “Is there something I can help you with today?”

Since he’d scoped it, Joker pointed immediately to the case and answered, “We wanna see that one.”

He heard Carrie suck in a breath.

“Of course. It’s beautiful. Fabulous choice. One moment,” the salesperson said, keys jingling.

He heard Carrie start breathing heavily as well as felt her body start shaking.

A velvet mat was put out on glass and then the Tiffany engagement ring was set on it.

“There you go,” the salesperson said.

Joker nabbed it, grabbed Carissa’s hand, and slid it on her ring finger.

They’d need another size. It was too big.

But for now, the gesture would do.

He looked into her eyes, which were on the ring, just as a tear escaped one and slid down her cheek.

He felt that.

And he loved how it felt.

“How’s that for a promise ring?” he whispered.

Another tear slid down her cheek as her fingers curled around his hand and her gaze locked with his.

“It’s perfect,” she whispered back.

“Joe joe kah!” Travis shouted.

Carissa’s eyes got huge one beat before she burst out laughing at the same time she burst into tears.

Joker pulled her into his arms, took her laughing, sobbing mouth in a long, wet kiss, and through it, he heard the salesperson murmur, “I love my job.”

* * *

The front door opened and Joker looked that way to see Carissa walking in.

“Yo,” Boz called from beside him at the dining room table.

“Carrie,” Snapper greeted, also at the table.

“Babe,” Roscoe, at his other side, said.

“Hey, Carrie,” Rush, at the foot, called.

Hound grunted.

Joker just kept his eyes on his woman and smiled.

She smiled back, calling, “Hey,” to the men at the table drinking beer and playing poker.

But she came right to him.