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Brian and Gray Brannon knohat Zack is up to They were thrilled he wanted to propose at the party in front of the entire Cold Fury fa to Sutton Cross Garrett Saed soon, although they’re more likely just to elope I suspect Olivia is the one who is taking her ti up on her one-yearthey’ll beout

Brian ends up calling out over the crowd, trying to get everyone’s attention Finally, Gray puts her fingers in her ets everyone’s attention, giving her dad a grin after doing so He just shakes his head and puts his arm around her shoulders

"Everyone…this is nor where I’ll let you all kno anization I hope you kno I truly feel about each and every one of you But tonight…we’re going to do soives him a nod Zack ss hard, wipes his hands on his pants, which indicates they’re a wet, clammy mess, and turns to Kate I can tell by the look on her face she has no clue what’s going on, but when Zack clears his throat, she realizes with utter clarity that there can only be one reason Zack is the one talking in front of the entire organization

Poor Zack…his voice comes out almost in a croak, and besides Kate, I may be the only one who understands how monue is to a man like him, and how Kate is truly his soul h as he takes her hands in his "I’ve been trying to do this forever now, and so to propose ent to the Bahaht before we left"

Everyone laughs, because no one really knows about his failed atte with amusement, and then fill up armth and love as she tilts her head to the side as he continues to talk

"Then that balloon ride," Zack says as his gaze lowers for a moment "The words ot blown off course"

"Oh h "Are you serious?"

Zack looks up and nods at her with a s I didn’t want there to be any doubt in your mind how much I want you to be my wife How much I want you to be Ben’sto oo I slideh move, because all eyes are pinned on Zack and Kate She lowers her face shyly with a subtle sht back up a bit to take another peek I give her a return smile and then turn my attention back to the main attraction

Zack drops to one knee "So Kate…beautiful, adorable Kate…as put on this earth just for me Will you be rab the ring and Kate appears poised to shout yes We all wait for it, when suddenly Zack’s hand comes out and he says, "Shit! There’s a hole in o round "Daddy…that’s a bad word"

Zack surges up, gives Ben a quick apologetic look, and then starts ru Everyone watches with bated breath and a healthy dose of concern in their eyes

Not Kate, though…her eyes are twinkling with suppressed laughter

Ben tugs on his dad’s suit jacket, but Zack is so frantically looking for the ring that he ignores hiain

"Not now, buddy," Zack eain"

Several people chuckle and Kate’s hand co But for the panicked look on Zack’s face, it would be outright hilarious My heart starts to really go out for the guy, but then Ben finally turns to Kate because Zack won’t look at him He reaches into the pocket of his little khaki pants that were paired with a light blue button down and navy jacket--fucking adorable actually on the little dude--and pulls the ring out

He hands it up to Kate "Here Dad bought this ring for you because he wants you to marry him"

Zack freezes, one hand stuffed deep in his pants pocket, the other stuffed inside his suit jacket Kate reaches out a wobbly hand and plucks the ring fro room floor before we left so I kept it for you"

"Jesus," Zack huffs out with relief, and then pulls Ben into a quick hug "Thanks, buddy"

As Zack takes the ring froer, I turn my back on them I don’t need to see or hear the rest to know that she’s saying yes at this veryand it was a foregone conclusion in es forward to congratulate the couple, I head for the bar, where Brannon hired three bartenders to keep the drinks fresh

After I’e of the crowd and people watch as the Christ I’ll make my way over to Zack and Kate soon, because I’m ready to leave after this drink