Ch. 22 | Church Bells

Leo

All that could be heard this morning were the grunts of my men. I had them out since 0500 doing extensive training.

We had a mission next week, according to my dad. We were supposed to be defending a small town in England. They were importing a bunch of convicted murderers to some top notch prison.

Why they needed the military there for it? No idea. Their policemen must not be well trained.

"10 more sets." I ordered and that earned me several glares from them.

Sucks being bossed around. I get it. My dad began training me at 5. For 17 years I've had to endure his brutal training sessions. I treated my men better then my father ever did me. ingrates.

"Leo," I turned to see my dad smiling at me. Next to him stood Riley. I smiled at her but her face remained emotionless. I had a feeling I knew what this was about.

"Father," I nodded in his direction but kept my eyes on my girl. She looked tired, but beautiful nonetheless.

"Riley had mentioned that you hadn't been up to see her in over two weeks," I father narrowed his eyes at me and I lowered my head, nodding once more.

"Well, Visit now," He turned to Riley, "I'll be back shortly to pick you up." He smiled and turned to leave.

Pick her up? Why? I shook my head and waited until my dad was out of hearing range before talking to her. It was my business, not his.

"Hey," I smiled and closed the distance to her, bending over and giving her a kiss on the cheek. I felt something hit my lips and I leaned back to see tears running down her face.

"Riley," I sighed and wiped away some of the tears.

"Where have you been?" She asked, her voice shaky. I felt some sort of pain in my chest.

"Im sorry," I leaned my head on her shoulder. I didn't know what to say.

"Am I too broken for you?" She asked, her voice getting caught in her throat.

"Broken?" I looked at her, confused. This girl wasn't broken. Not in the slightest.

"My medical stuff. Emotions. Is this too much for you?" Riley stared me in the eye while tears escaped hers.

I paused and inhaled, "Ry, You're perfect the way you are. This isn't too much for me in the slightest. I promise." I tucked a piece of hair behind her ear.

"Then why, Why haven't you been around lately?" She asked with a sniffle and I smiled.

"Because, I suck at keeping surprises." I felt the small box burning a hole in my pocket. I had been avoiding her. But not because of her. My big mouth could never stay quiet.

"Surprises?" Riley asked and wiped her eyes.

I looked over at my men who were watching us. They were all waiting for this.

Like I said, I sucked at keeping things a surprise.

"Why are they watching us?" She asked and took a step towards me, but I backed up and took a knee.

Riley stared at the guys until I cleared my throat and her head turned towards me, her eyes widening in shock.

"No, No, No," She covered her mouth.

"Riley Manson Earningston, Will you marry me?" I asked and opened the small black velvet covered box. It had taken me weeks to pick out a ring. I couldnt ask my mom or dad as they sucked at keeping secrets just as much as I did.

But I had finally settled on a beautiful silver ring with one singular diamond in the middle. It was simple, But I hoped she'd love it.

I smiled at her bright red face. Tears could be seen pooling in her eyes and I began to get worried.

"You're so cheesy." She chuckled before whispering, "Yes." I didn't hesitate to jump up and wrap her in my arms.

"LETS GO BOSSMAN." I heard one of my men shout and the rest began to hoot.

I chuckled into Riley's hair. She pulled away and went on her tip toes whispering to me, "I love you."