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Ever just stared at him, her eyes locked in on him, no words being said between them. Awkward silence clouded over them as they just stood so close, but not reaching out to one another.
“I will sell the farm, move here, whatever you want or need. I will give up everything just to be with you.”
Ever’s lips slowly curved up in a smile. Stepping closer, her body flush with his, Ever put her arms around his neck, searching his eyes. “You had me at Hello, Bear.”
Ben threw back his head, his deep bountiful laugh echoing through the now quiet gallery. His arms enveloped her as he lifted her and swung her around, relief washing over them both. Setting her down. he took her face into his hands and lowered his lips to hers in a reunion embrace full of passion and love.
Clapping and catcalls broke their seemingly private moment. Ever looked around at everyone’s smiling faces and immediately spotted Hayden and Bea walking up, whistling and clapping. Her eyes widened in joy and surprise as she hugged them both. “I can’t believe you are both here!”
“We wouldn’t miss this for the world!” Bea exclaimed excitedly.
“Absolutely.” Hayden agreed.
Bringing her attention back to Ben, she reached up and kissed him again as she ran her fingers through his beard affectionately. “Did you really buy my painting?”
“I did,” Ben replied, taking her hands in his. “I know it was your favorite and perhaps we can hang it in our home.”
Touching his face, she caressed his cheek and looked deeply into his eyes. “You don’t have to move here, Bear. I have already decided to come to you. Prairie Sky is my home, it always has been, and I want to be with you. It’s where we both belong together, and I am sorry it took me a while to realize that.”
Ben smiled as he mirrored her affectionate caress. Ever closed her eyes and leaned into his loving touch. His hand leaving her face, she opened her eyes to see Ben down on one knee in front of her. Looking up with love and expectation in his hopeful blue eyes. “Ever Wolton, I want to drink coffee with you every morning and make love to you every night. I want to build a life, a family and grow old with you. Sitting on our front porch, taking in every prairie sunset. I love you and I want to make every dream you have come true. Will you marry me?” Ben asked, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small velvet box.
Releasing her hand, he opened the box, presenting it to her. Looking down, Ever’s eyes met the most beautiful gold band with diamonds shaped like a daisy. Ever put her hand to her mouth, blinking back her tears. Meeting his expectant gaze, seeing her future within its depths, she answered. “Yes, Bear, I will marry you!” she exclaimed, a shaky laugh escaping. “I want to spend forever with you!”
Cheers erupted throughout the gallery as he slipped the unique ring on her finger. She looked down, taking in his choice and knowing it was simply perfect. As unique as their love story.
* * *
Ben held Ever in his arms, both naked, their bodies tangled around each other, basking in the glow of their reunion. Her head melted into his chest; she reached up to run her fingers through his beard, making him close his eyes in satisfaction.
“Feel good?” she asked huskily.
“So good,” he growled, pulling her up to his lips for a passionate embrace.
She moved on top of him, straddling his hips. Their mouths still connected, their tongues dancing together. Ever released their kiss and Ben took in a deep breath, looking up at his beautiful fiancée.
“I have missed you so much.” He confessed. “I am sorry it took me so long to come to you.”
Ever leaned over and kissed him again softly. “Bear, you came at the perfect time. I cannot wait to marry you.”
“Whenever you are ready, sweetheart,” he replied, flipping her over and underneath him. “You just tell me the date.”
She put her index finger to her chin, tapping it as if in thought. “How about in three weeks? A fall wedding?”
“Will that give you enough time to plan?” he asked, hovering over her, their eyes transfixed.
“Bear, all I need is you and I and a few friends to witness.”
Ben brushed his lips against hers and met her gaze with a mischievous grin. “Sounds good to me. The sooner we get married, the sooner we can have all those cute babies you want.”
“How about we start now?” she asked, raising her eyebrow offering him a wicked smile.
His lips curved up slowly, and a low growl escaped his throat. “Yes, ma’am!”
* * *
Taking in her reflection, Ever ran her hands down her wedding dress, her mother’s wedding dress. Once the news of their engagement and her permanent return to Prairie Sky hit the Primrose gossip mill, Ms. Lynette contacted her immediately regarding her mother’s dress. At the request of her mother, Ms. Lynette kept the dress, in safe keeping to one day give back to Ever. Ever was thrilled, and the dress was perfect! A sweetheart neckline dress with a simple A-line skirt, with long lace sleeves and floral appliques that cascaded down the skirt. It was exactly what she would have picked. Her mahogany hair swept up with tendrils of her wavy hair framing her face and fall flowers interwoven, completed her wedding day look. She was ready.
“You look incredible,” Bea chimed behind her. “Your parents would have been so proud.” She continued with her hand on Ever’s shoulder.
