I’m going to ask Keri to marry me.
I park next to Ridge Wilson’s truck, relieved that his family is here. I’ve schemed with Ridge, George, and Madison to plan this surprise proposal. Keri thinks we’re having dinner with friends to celebrate the unofficial start of the Lavender Festival thisweekend. She has no idea I’m about to propose. At least, I hope she doesn’t.
“Hey, Adam. I saw you pull up and thought I’d give you the run-down.” Madison, out of breath, greets me, her pregnant belly protruding beneath her sundress.
I climb out of my truck, Molly at my heels, and my camera around my neck. “Maddy, you don’t need to be rushing around in your condition.”
She waves me off. “I’m fine. I’ve still got six weeks to go. Come on.”
“Where’s Keri?”
“She’s inside with the Wilsons and George, distracted by the new photos on our website. I wanted to show you the barn before we coax her into the lavender fields.”
Madison and Beverly insisted on hosting a dinner after my proposal. With Miss Jenny, Janie, Mr. Garcia, his staff, and dear friends, including surprise guests Candace and April, it’s sure to be special. The only ones missing are Roxy and Justin. Like Madison, my cousin is pregnant and can’t travel. She’s sad to miss it, but we’ll FaceTime and plan to visit after the baby arrives.
I slide open the barn door and take in the scene in front of me. A large rectangular table sits in the center of the barn, tea lights ready to be lit among fragrant gardenia flowers in budvases peppered across a cerulean tablecloth. Swooping strands of Edison-style lighting cast a soft glow, and the antique place settings with scalloped white edges are another detail borrowed from the china cabinet of George’s late grandmother, Rosie.
The romantic atmosphere is exactly how I pictured it.
I gently squeeze Madison’s shoulder. “This is even better than I imagined.”
“Really?” Her face shines with her pregnancy glow.
“Yes. Thank you for going to all this trouble. Keri is going to love it.”
“I’m glad. It was no trouble with everyone helping. Miss Jenny will arrive soon with the food caravan. You’d better get this show on the road before Keri gets suspicious.”
“Okay.” I hand her my camera. “George remembers how to use this, right?”
Maddy’s smile is gentle and full of love. “He won’t let you down. He’s already picked out his hiding place near the windmill. Thanks for trusting him.”
“He’s a great friend—all of you are.” I feel my throat tighten and cough. “Molly and I will get in place.”
“Okay. I’ll give this to George and tell Keri you need her in the lavender field.”
“What if she asks why? What will you tell her?”
Madison giggles, my camera resting on her belly. “I’ll say you have an idea and need her take on it.”
“Sounds reasonable.” I watch Madison waddle outside. I take in the romantic dinner scene once more before sliding the barn doors shut and heading to the lavender fields.
“This is it, Molly. Wish me luck.”
Molly barks once, making me laugh. I run my hands over the lavender, inhaling the scent on my skin. At the end of the graveled path, Molly sits at my feet. I touch the front pocket of my jeans, feeling the box with the diamond ring. Clasping my trembling hands, I wait, hoping I don’t look out of place standing in the field. The weight of every road here has taught me patience, and the quiet ache of missing someone who once shared my heartbeat.
But tonight is different. Tonight, hope has a new name. And her name is Keri.
Minutes tick agonizingly by, and then I see her. She’s standing on the hilltop, her blonde hair blowing in the breeze against the backdrop of the vivid red barn. My heart quickens at the sight of her as she holds her palm over her eyes and scans the horizon. I throw up a hand and wave her forward.
“Come to me, Angel Face,” I whisper into the wind.
Her gait is slow as she navigates the uneven terrain in her sandals, and her skirt moves to the gentle rhythm of her hips. She’s a vision of loveliness without even trying, dressed in her white peasant blouse and blue denim skirt. The puffy sleeves of her top remind me of wings.
“What are you doing out here? Madison said you have an idea.”
I watch her blue eyes scroll my face, her brow furrowing with confusion. I can see George in my peripheral vision, crouching low behind a bush near the windmill, the others slowly gathering on the hilltop behind Keri. I need to hurry before she notices everyone.
I clear my throat and reach for her hands, the familiar warmth grounding me. “I love you,” I stutter.
