Page 69 of Guarded Hearts

Grilled cheese on the couch was looking more appealing. “I’ll think of something.”

“Sure, yeah. I mean”—she checked her phone—“you’ve got like forty-eight hours to plan and execute a proposal. Who needs sleep, right?”

I ran a hand down my face and chugged the last of my coffee. That was what the caffeine was for—thinking and not sleeping. Somewhere in my mind, the perfect proposal lived.

The train station Grady owned in Little Falls wasn’t exactly the most romantic spot. The building was a recording studio, and many famous faces had gone through here the last couple of years. A small portion was sectioned off as a dance studio. At one time, it had been a gym when Mia was pregnant and hiding out from the world.

Now, I would create another memory here.

In between touring and starting onCenter Stage, Alyssa had been living with me on Mia’s property. She’d rented her house out for the foreseeable future. Secretly, I hoped we never returned to it, never had a reason to go there again. Her sister had left Kevin again and was in therapy. They were trying to rebuild their relationship. Maybe someday, Oliva would move to Little Falls too.

When we pulled up to the refurbished brick building, Alyssa frowned. “Did you have to pick something up for Mia?”

A grin tugged at my lips. “Come in with me?”

She glanced down at her dress and heels and shrugged, climbing out to follow. I used the code for after-hours access, and we slipped in through the side door. The main entrance was modern with black, gray, and steel everywhere.

My heart two-stepped, nerves seizing me. Even though I was sure she’d say “yes,” that she wanted this future as much as I did, the gravity of asking her to spend forever with me wasn’t lessened.

“This way,” I said, gesturing toward the back of the building. Earlier today, I’d come and set up the room. Music at the touch of my fingers. Dinner from our favorite Little Falls restaurant would be delivered in an hour. Apples and some sort of chocolate caramel concoction Kathy’s Café had whipped up at my request were nestled in the bar fridge. Champagne chilled. The ring in my pocket banged against my thigh in time with my hammering heart.

“Are we”—Alyssa checked the time on her phone—“going to make our dinner reservations?”

Over my shoulder, I grinned. “Yes.”

I opened the door to the dance studio and ushered Alyssa in. Her smile was hesitant as she slipped around me. Her gasp hit my ears, and my heart slowed. She liked what I’d done.

I stepped into the room behind her. Fairy lights dotted the room, the only source of light. A table set for two sat in the corner with fireless candles and a glittering tablecloth.

“What?” She turned, her eyes alight with joy. “What is this?”

I held out my hand. “Dance with me?” Over the speakers, the song Mia had written that reminded me of Alyssa, which I’d later discovered reminded her of me, too, played.

Her gaze softened. “You did this for me?”

“For us.” I kissed her hand and spun her into a dip. She laughed, and when I righted her, she cuddled into me, her cheek pressed against my cheek.The dance wasn’t fancy or fast, but I’d never felt closer to her as we swayed to the lyrics in the half-light.

“I love us,” Alyssa whispered. “Part of me doesn’t want to leave tomorrow.”

“Part of me doesn’t want you to go. But I also want the best for you. I want the world to see how wonderful you are. Half of America will be in love with you by the end.”

She glanced up and rose on her toes to kiss me. “They can keep their love. I’ve got all I need.”

From my pocket, I removed the ring and let go of her to drop to one knee. “I’m hoping to make sure you’ve got all you need for the rest of your life.”

Alyssa’s hands covered her face, and her shoulders shook. Her tears were a little startling and confusing. She cried about happy and sad things, so it was hard to know if I’d done the right thing. Here was hoping those were happy tears.

“Alyssa Miller, will you marry me?”

“Holy shit,” she whispered, wiping the tears from her face. “Are you serious?”

“I am.” I gave an unsteady chuckle. “Should I be joking?” My heart, which had slowed when we’d entered the room, kicked into gear. Sweat pooled under my armpits. Maybe she wouldn’t say “yes”?

“No, no, God, no.” She paled and then shook her head. “I meant ‘yes.’ Yes, I’ll marry you. The ‘no’ was about the joking. Oh, God! Why am I such a mess?” She sat on my bended knee and wrapped her arms around my neck. “I’m your mess. Forever.”

I kissed her cheek, took the ring from the box, and slipped the band onto her finger. “Forever.”

Shesnuggled into my neck and then stared at her ring. “It’s gorgeous.”

“Diamonds and sapphires. Mia and Sarah said those were your favorite.” I checked the fit by wiggling it on her finger. “Too loose?”

“Perfect. Seriously. You’re so sneaky.” She kissed me again, wiping the last of her tears. “We’re going to have the best life.”

“You can bet on it.” I cupped her face, my heart full. Almost a year ago, she’d made a bet on me. For the rest of their lives, we’d be betting on each other, and I couldn’t believe I’d get to call her mine forever.