She shook her head. “No. It’s not that.”

“Then what is it?” Levi asked. “Your sisters will be home tonight. The enhanced security is finally in place. Your life is finally yours again.”

“My life is mine, but everything is about to change.”

“You’re talking about your father.”

“I can’t stop thinking how much of my life he’s going to miss. He won’t see Annabelle graduate from college or Victoria get her advanced degree. He’ll never get to walk any of his daughters down the aisle or meet his grandchildren. He won’t see what our country can become now that we have new natural resources to benefit our citizens.” A tear spilled onto her cheek. “I’ve had months to get used to it, but my sisters still don’t know our father has less than a year to live.”

“All anyone can do is help him live his last months the best he can,” Levi said. “Help everyone have happy memories to look back on.”

“I’m not sure I know how.”

Levi’s pulse picked up speed. “I do have one idea.”

“What?”

Levi swallowed. “What if your father could see you get married?”

“I don’t understand . . .”

“Cassie, I love you more than anything. I know it might seem crazy since we’ve only known each other for a short time, but I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

“Are you saying . . . ?” Cassie’s voice trailed off when Levi lowered to one knee.

“I’m asking if you will spend your future with me.” Levi drew the ring from his pocket. “Cassandra Rossi, will you marry me?”

Cassie’s jaw dropped, and her eyes widened. Levi watched her work through her shock, his chest aching with each heartbeat. When he was certain he was going to die of anticipation, she nodded. “Yes. Yes, I will marry you.”

Joy swelled within him as he slipped the ring onto her finger. She looked down at her hand, a new look of surprise dawning on her face. “This is my mother’s ring.”

“Yes.” Levi pushed to a stand, Cassie’s hand still in his. “Your father wanted it to be yours.”

“You talked to my father?”

“I did.” Levi slipped his arms around her waist. “I think the idea of being able to walk you down the aisle overshadowed his concerns about who I work for.”

“How do you feel about resigning from the CIA?”

“It depends. How do you feel about short engagements?”

“Is three months short enough?” Cassie asked. “I think October would be a lovely month to get married.”

“I’ll send in my resignation today,” Levi said without missing a beat.

“Are you sure? I don’t want you to regret your choice.”

“You are my choice.” Levi lowered his lips to hers and let himself fall into their future. “I am the luckiest man alive that I’m your choice too.”

“You are my choice.” Her hand lifted to his cheek. “For always.”

Joy overwhelmed him, and he had to swallow before he could respond. He leaned down and kissed his bride-to-be before he gathered her into his arms. “I promise to love you always. Always and forever.”