I pulled away. “Come on. I do still have a few surprises in store.”
“Oh? Well, lead the way.”
We walked along a path through the fields until we came upon a pond. The sunshine swept over it, setting off dancing sparkles.
A small, wrought-iron table for two was set up with china and silverware—same as the night Bryson had brought me here for our first date. But there were a few key differences.
Behind the table was an arbor covered in white roses. Bryson cocked his head. “That wasn’t there before.”
“Well, I had to add a little extra pizazz.”
He neared the table, gazing down at platters covered with silver dome covers. “This isn’t exactly take-out from The Stag Pub either, is it?”
“Noel Grisold helped me out with a special catered meal.”
“The wedding planner strikes again,” he said with a grin.
“Take a seat,” I said, heart hammering.
My stomach tightened with nerves, and I wasn’t sure I could eat, but I wanted Bryson to experience a full date—complete with Noel’s mouth-watering creations.
“Okay, but first…” Bryson walked over to the arbor and plucked a rose free. He approached me and sank to one knee.
“Don’t you dare propose!” I exclaimed.
His eyes widened. “It’s just a rose.”
“Oh. Well.” I sank to one knee and reached into my pocket. “This isn’t.”
I withdrew the ring box and popped it open to reveal a thick titanium band set with a black carbon center and beveled edges. It was masculine, simple, practical—but gorgeous. Everything Bryson was, too.
“Silas, is that…”
“You’ve become everything to me, Bryson. You’re my heart and my compass and my gravity. You have given me thespace to love again. I was lost, but you helped me find my way. And every day, you hold me, I know that I’m real and here, grounded in love and trust.”
Bryson’s eyes looked suspiciously shiny. “You make me sound pretty great.”
I laughed. “Yeah, you are. That’s why I want you to marry me. Bryson, will you be my husband?”
He didn’t say yes. Just leaned forward to tuck the rose into my breast pocket. My heart raced, and I ceased to breathe as I waited for his answer.
He cupped my face and kissed me long and sweet, then pressed his forehead to mine.
“Put a ring on me, darlin’. I’m yours.”
I laughed, tears coming to my eyes. I hadn’t expected him to say no, but damn, the deep love I had for him surged to the surface and damn near overwhelmed me.
If Bryson had been a different man, a less patient man, I might not have this right now. I slid the ring onto his finger, my hands trembling, and kissed it.
He squeezed my hands. “You’re shaking. Are you sure you’re ready?”
I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him. “I’ve never been so ready.”
He held me close, breathing me in. “I didn’t see this coming at all. That was a hell of a surprise you pulled off.”
I smiled. “Well, I had help.”
Bryson got to his feet and helped me up, then glanced over at the exquisite meal set on the table. “Did Branson know?”
