Tough as Nails

Chapter 37

    I drove Gauge to his house to get his swimming trunks and fishing pole.  He went inside to change while I waited in the car.  We were running a little late this morning.  The sexy shower we took this morning my have took longer than we expected it would.  Last night was amazing.  It really opened a door on our relationship.  I was so happy.  He seemed so relaxed and happy as well.

   We pulled in to the river and parked in the parking area.  I unloaded my river bag from the truck as Gauge grabbed his fishing poll.  Gauge loves the river so much, that he as been shopping for a river boat with a 150 outboard motor with a jet.  He found one that he absolutely fell in love with but it sold before he could buy it...

    "Ya'll made it!  Happy Birthday, Gauge."

    "Thank you."  He smiled.  He hated people making a big deal about his birthday.  "You're parents are even here."  He whispered so only I could hear.

    "I see that."  I smiled to myself.  I knew they were here because I asked my dad to help me with a surprise.

    "Hey man!"  Cameron, Zander, and Kade greeted him.

    "Sir?"  Gauge asked my dad.  My dad gave him a nod.  What do they have going on?

    "Can I get everyone's attention?  I just want to thank you all for coming to celebrate my birthday.  I used to hate the thought of growing a year older, but thanks to Everleigh I don't mind it so much anymore.  She has taught me to look for the good in any situation.  She makes me a better man by calling me out on my bullshit when I need it. You all know what I'm talking about.   And her strength.  She is the toughest  person I know.  Don't even get me started on her stubbornness..."  Causing everyone to laugh.  Looking at my dad then to me, he took me by the hand.  "Ev, I know we haven't been dating that long, but I can't wait any longer."  He dropped down on one knee.  My heart began to race.  "Will you marry me?"

     Everyone hooped and hollered as I was trying to control my tears.

    "Yes!  Oh my gosh, a thousand times yes!"  I said dropping to my knees wrapping my arms around his neck.  He gave me the longest partially open mouthed kiss with a little church tongue.  He was always so respectful and treated me like a queen.  

    "Let me see the ring!"  Aspen squealed pulling me up from my knees.  He pulled my left hand toward her.  There was nothing there.

    "She didn't give me time to put it on her yet."  Gauge chuckled.

    "You were holding one?"  I asked giggling.  I was too caught up in his question to even noticed.

    "Don't let her not noticing the ring hurt your feelings.  You could have proposed with a cracker jack box ring and she would have been happy."  My best friend defended me.  

    "I know.  That's one of the many reasons why  I love her."  Gauge said placing a ring on my finger.

    "Gauge, it's perfect!  I would have chose this exact one if I had chosen it myself!"  I said eyeing my ring.  I was amazed at how well he knew me and what I would like.  It was a small princess cut center stone with two twisted bands covered in tiny diamonds.  Flashy enough to show I'm taken, but not unnecessary.  It was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.

    "Thank you, sir, for your blessing."  Gauge said shaking my dad's hand.

    "Welcome to the family, son."  Dad said pulling him into a hug.  It made my heart burst with happiness.  My dad is not a hugger and he just hugged my future husband.  "Congrats, sis."  He said hugging me.  "Enough with this mushy stuff.  Those fish aren't going to catch themselves."