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The drive to the hotel is mere minutes as traffic is thankfully light today, and then Piper is bouncing out to me. The woman is beautiful, and I love that ruby glow on her cheeks.
“How are you?” I ask, bending to kiss her cheek as soon as she slides into the seat next to me.
“I had the best breakfast, but I’m ready to go home,” she says.
She’s like a kid in a candy store, enjoying all of our new experiences together—from flying on private planes to dining at fancy restaurants. While she loves traveling with me to see my business and explore new places, she always seems excited when it’s time to head back home. I love that about her; she remains humble and excited about all of our adventures.
The flight goes smoothly, and we land right on schedule. As we make our way down the main road towards Rustic Ridge, my palms begin to sweat. I know this is almost it—the big moment I’ve been planning for months. Suddenly, doubt creeps in and I worry that maybe it’s too soon or she won’t like how I’ve planned everything. Kicking myself mentally, I quickly check to make sure the ring is safely tucked away in my pocket. Got it. She loves me; I love her. She’s going to say yes.
Piper’s phone rings. “Oh, this is Mia,” Piper says, putting it to her ear. A few seconds later, she puts her hand over the phone and whispers, “Can we stop by the bakery?”
“Sure, we have time,” I tell her as I turn off to park in front of the bakery.
I glance up and down the empty street. I hope everyone is here already; Piper would be heartbroken if they weren’t. I get out of the car with nervous legs as Piper chats away. The bakery door opens with a chime and then it is quiet, no one in sight.
“Mia?” Piper calls out, walking toward the counter.
“Surprise!” Evelyn shouts, coming out from behind the counter followed by John, her sisters, brother-in-laws, nephews, and Grandad.
By the look on Piper’s face, she’s definitely surprised. “I don’t understand,” she says as her eyes dart between me and our family.
I drop to one knee as Piper’s jaw drops and tears form in her eyes. “Caleb,” she whispers.
“Piper,” I say, taking her hands in mine. “My life truly began when my heart found you. Every moment spent with you is an adventure. You’re smart, funny, ambitious, and you never hesitate to call me out when I’m wrong. I want nothing more than to grow old with you by my side. I love you. Will you marry me?”
“Say yes,” Evelyn whispers loudly, causing everyone to burst into laughter.
Piper giggles. “Yes, of course!” she says as I leap to my feet and wrap my arms around her. “I love you,” she tells me before placing a hand on each cheek and pulling me close for a tender kiss. Then she holds her left hand out to me as I slip the ring on her hand.
“I love you more,” I whisper.
“Congratulations!” Mia cheers as she enters with a three-tier cake.
“That is stunning,” Piper says as she takes in the white cake with wildflowers on it. “You are amazing,” she pulls Mia into a warm hug.
“Come here, you two.” Evelyn beckons us with open arms. “I am overjoyed for you and my daughter. And grateful that you didn’t make me wait any longer.” She hugs me while Piper rolls her eyes at her mother’s antics.
“Welcome to the family,” Evelyn says as everyone surrounds us in a bear hug.
“Congrats, Caleb, Piper is the best woman I could have ever prayed for you to find,” he says through tears as he hugs me close.
As we watch the lively celebrations and cut into our cake, Piper wraps an arm around my waist.
“Bet you never could have predicted this the first time you walked through those doors,” Piper says gesturing toward the front of the bakery.
“Not in a million years,” I reply with a smile, gazing down at her beaming face. “That moment was the turning point of my life. And I can’t wait to see what other surprises you have in store for me.”
“Just remember you said that.” She gives me a mischievous look before I lean down to kiss her and solidify our promise of a future filled with incredible adventures, amazing friends, and more family than I could have ever imagined having.
THE END
