Knight In Shinning Camo BK1

Chapter 20: Benjamin

"Its crazy right" I ask the men. We have about a week before we open to be back on deployment. The past week I've been tossing around the idea of marrying Jessica. Is it to soon? I know I love her and it feels like the right think to do. Honestly I am not sure how Jessica would feel about it. She is taking it hard knowing that I will be leaving on deployment soon. 

"Crazy good" Trey answers. "Do it" Grant states. "If you love her, why hesitate" Jacob adds. I look to Matt who hasn't said a word. "Matt?" He looks up to me. "If you hurt he I will--" Trey butts in, "We all will make you pay." Of course I am also taking advice from my very single friends. 

I nod, "I'm going to ask her tonight." They all smile and start ordering another round of drinks.

I spent the afternoon with the boys tossing ideas of how to propose to Jessica. I call Rachael to pick me up from the bar at three thirty so I can use her opinion on what I have decided. She  was very suspicious about why I needed her help, but after a few minutes of convincing her without telling the proposal part she agreed to pick me up. Also I had to many drink to drive my truck anyway, so it also will help sober me up. After waiting outside for about ten minutes, her driver pulls up with her sitting in the back seat.

I join her in the back seat. "So what has you calling me" she asks curiously. "I need your help" I say sincerely hoping she would agree with my decision. "With" she asks. "I need you to help me pick out a ring" I state.Rachael doesn't respond, just sits there speechless. I tell the driver to head to the jewelry store in downtown. 

When we arrive at the jewelry store I lead Rachael in. "I can't believe my big brother is going ot get married" she squeals. I chuckle, "If she says yes." She pats my arm, "Just by seeing the way she looks at you, I am positive she will say yes." If my smile could go grow bigger it defiantly just did. "Thanks" I kiss the top of her head. "I was thinking an antique styled ring" I mentioned to Rachael. "Yes, I think that will be perfect. Find one you like and let me feel" she says.

"How may I help you" a mid aged man approaches us. "My brother is looking for a engagement ring. We are hoping to find on that is antique styled" Rachael answers for me. "This way. We have a few in that are styled that way" he says leading us to a clear table holding a variety of rings. The man pulls out eight different rings. I glance at all of them, but only one has me looking back more then once. "Rachael this is the one" I hand her the ring. She runs her fingers slowly over the ring taking in the details. "Sir that one actually comes in a set. He pulls out what would be the wedding band and hands it to me. I take the ring and put them together.  I look at Rachael and she nods. "I'll take it."

"I have more thing I would like to get" I tell the worker. He nods and listens to what I describe. It popped into my head just now. I will defiantly have to explain it to Rachael when we return to the car.

After running the errand with Rachael she drops me back at the bar after spending the last three hours sobering up. I toss everything in the back seat and head home. I had Rachael call Jessica to see where she was in the house. Jessica and Nala were playing upstairs in their room.

Once I parked the car, I grabbed the bags from the back and went straight the backyard. I strung lights up since it would be getting dark soon. Then I set the table and added a few candles. I add balloons for Nala. Then as Rachael told me to I tossed some rose petals around. I placed the Italian take out food on the table ready to be served. Glancing around, I decided this is as good as its going to get.

I head back to the front of the house and walk through the front door still hoping that Jessica hasnt seen what I was doing. I run up the stairs and see that Jessica's door is open. I walk in to see them playing with baby dolls. They both look up hearing the foot steps. "Hey ladies" I say bending down and giving them both a kiss on the forehead. 

"How was your day Ben" Jessica asks. "It went good. Mainly spent time with the guys" I answer smiling. "Have you heard from Rachael. I called her around four and she never answered or called back. She normally does. I hope she is okay" she says with concern. "Yes, she was just busy. I am sure she will call you back soon" I reassure her. She nods with a smile. 

"I'll be right back" I tell her getting up off the floor. "Okay" Jessica says as I walk out of the room. Going into my room, I change into a black button up and dark jeans and slide my boots on. I ran my hair through my hair to straighten the hairs. As I walk out, I halt remembering the ring is still in the pant of my other jeans. "That was close" I mumble to myself. Putting the ring box in my pocket I head back to the girls.

When I walk back in the room Jessica's jaw drops and she looks me over, taking her time. "Is there a special occasion" she asks her eyes finally making it to my eyes. "Kind of, but I'll explain later. I have dinner ready want to come down" I tell her trying to tame my excitement. 

"Yeah" she picks Nala up and places her on her hip and follows me out of the room and downstairs. We walk by the kitchen. "Did you get Chinese" Jessica asks. "Nope."

I lead her out back and I hear her footsteps halt. I turn to see Jessica starring at the table in aw. I hold my hand out for her to come closer. She walks forward and takes my hand in hers. I lift it to my lips and place a kiss on top of her hand. "Is this why you were acting like a excited child moments ago" she says barely above a whisper. 

I chuckle at her words. "Defiantly." Jessica continue to stand there staring at how everything looks. "You like it" I ask. She nods, "It looks amazing." She takes another step towards the table and thats when I know its my perfect chance. 

With her standing away from me, I go on one knee, "Jessica." She turns around and when she sees me her eyes go wide. "I know we haven't know each over very long, but for me it feels like the perfect time. You and Nala have brought me so much happiness! I could never picture my life without you two in it. Jessica, will you marry me?"

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I have redone this chapter. I wasnt happy with the one I wrote before. Enjoy!