Gale handed me a small box, his grin confident. Inside was a ring made from bone—his pinky bone, to be exact. Dropping to one knee, he gently kissed the back of my hand.
“Baby, I’ve made up my mind. After this last job, I’m done. We’ll finally have the quiet, happy life you’ve always wanted.”
For years, Gale had danced on the edge of danger. Every birthday, my wish had been for him to leave this life behind.
Now that it was finally happening, I felt… nothing. No joy. No relief.
I glanced at the ring but didn’t put it on. Instead, I gave him a small smile. “Good.”
I’d see him through this last job.
Then, I’d close the book on us—for good.
The lively atmosphere of the party was filled with Gale's deep voice serenading me with a love song. His gaze never wavered, locking onto mine like I was the only person in the room.
As the song ended, a knock sounded at the door, breaking the moment.
Gale, being the closest, stood up to answer.
So when he asked for permission, I let him go without giving it too much thought. As a good friend, his team members helped, trying to cover for him. They turned up the music and whispered to each other.