Bluegrass Undercover (Bluegrass Brothers)

family and neighbors. Parents and friends embraced each other, his back was slapped, and he was hugged and high fived. Tonight was the best night of his life, and he just wanted Annie by his side.
    “Cade!” He turned his head and saw her red hair peeking out from behind a wall of players all giving her hugs. He pushed himself through the crowd towards her.
    His players, seeing him trying to get to Annie, grabbed her and hefted her up onto their shoulders. She squealed like a little girl, and Cade couldn’t help but laugh. He’d never seen her have so much fun. Her hair was blowing in the breeze, her cheeks rosy from the cold winter weather, and her eyes alight with happiness. God, she was perfect. He watched with a huge smile on his face as she was placed in front of him. His players backed away to form a small circle around them and cheered as he pulled her against him for a victory kiss.
    His heart beat so loudly he thought everyone in the whole city of Lexington could hear it. He tightened his arms around her and knew he wanted her right there with him for the rest of his life. He forgot he was cold and wet. He forgot the whole town was pressing in on them, trying to see what was going on. All he knew was her laugh, the feel of her lips on his, and the way she fit so perfectly against him.
    Now was the time. Come on, Cade, you can do it. He removed one hand from around her waist, slid it into the pocket of his coat and felt what he was looking for. It may be a little wet, but he didn’t think that mattered. His hand slid down her arm to her hand as he went down on one knee. With how loudly his heart was beating, he didn’t notice that everyone on the field had grown quiet.
    He looked up into Annie’s eyes and knew it would be all right. Her answer was there for him to see. “Annie Blake, I love you with all my heart and soul. I wish to spend the rest of my days making you as happy as you make me.” He pulled out the damp, red velvet ring box and opened it. “Will you marry me?”
     
    Annie gaped at the large emerald sitting on a diamond band, and tears filled her eyes. She looked to the man she loved and fell to her knees. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him. In him she had found herself, her family, and happiness. What she knew was that they would be spending the rest of their days together, surrounded by the love and family she thought were beyond her reach.
    “Did she say ‘yes’ yet?” Miss Lily’s voice floated over the shoulders of the players holding people back.
    “YES! I’ll marry you, Cade.” The tears escaped and she laughed as he slipped the ring onto her finger. The players lost their battle and Marcy broke through, followed quickly by Paige and the Rose sisters.
    “I couldn’t ask for a better daughter-in-law, “ Marcy croaked between sobs. “Two weddings, honey. Can you believe it?” Jake put his arm around his wife and pulled Annie in for a hug.
    “We’re glad to welcome you to the family.”
    “Thank you, Mr. Davies.”
    “I think you can start calling me Dad now.” The floodgates broke as the tears streamed down her face. Marcy sobbed again and pulled her in for another hug as Jake went to congratulate his son.
     
    *      *     *
     
    The Blossom Café was packed for an impromptu victory celebration and engagement party. The Rose sisters were in their zone. Miss Daisy flitted from table to table passing out food, Miss Lily used a heavy hand as she mixed her special ice tea, and Miss Violet was talking to people through the window as she put food on large plates.
    “I don’t know if I should have another. You know, I hold a very prominent position in the town and I wouldn’t want anyone to think I’m a lush.” Pam Gilbert said as Miss Lily pushed another glass of special ice tea into her hand.
    “Oh lighten up , Pam. Even the PTA President can celebrate tonight. Go wild, undo that top button by your collar and no one will recognize you!”
    Annie tried to contain the bark of laughter threatening to erupt at the scandalized look on Pam’s face. All of Keeneston had turned out. Summer had cornered Henry, who looked petrified at her advances. The Davies family was all around her and the feeling of belonging swelled inside of her.
    “Hm m. So, someone finally landed one of the famous Davies brothers. What are you, knocked up? “A snippy voice said from behind her.
    Annie heard Paige’s gasp and then hiss. She turned around and got an eyeful o