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Then he leaned down and pulled her into a scorching, toe-curling kiss Coue and hoots and hollers from the others

When he finally released her, she was dazed and wore a stupid grin She turned to the others with that goofy suys! I can’t believe this!" she exclaimed

"Happy birthday, sweetheart," Ash said, co her

One by one, all the others ca her until she was agloith happiness

Jace caught her hand and tugged her toward the table

"There’s another reason to celebrate at this party, but first you have to open your present frorin

There was a lint in his eyes and he looked excited andhappy Then he handed her a square wrapped present with a gorgeous ribbon and bow arrangement

"Open it!" Chessy squealed "Oh ot!"

The others chie, more excited than a kid at Christmas When she opened the box and found a s With shaking fingers, she opened the s inside

When she looked to the side for Jace, he had gone down to one knee, his hand already reaching for hers He took the box fro from its clasp

"I love you, Bethany More than I could have ever i a woman You’re my heart and soul and I want to spend the rest of my life with you Will you marry me?"

She stared openht out of her chest Tears filled her eyes, happy tears this tinaled sadness She wanted this moment to last forever It would forever be burned into her memories

"Oh, Jace," she breathed "I love you too So much And yes, I’ll marry you Absolutely!"

The rooer His hands shook Her hand shook It was a wonder they were even able to get the ring on without dropping it Then he stood and pulled her to hi his arms around her He lifted and whirled her around and around before finally stopping and allowing her to slide down his body until their lips met in a heated rush

"Love you so much," he whispered "I’ll always love you, Bethany"