Page 27

The scent of freshly cut grass surrounds us. Night birds are chirping sweetly, and crickets are loudly making their presence known.

I watch Stormy twirling around and I get choked up. I can picture her by my side as the years roll on. I imagine her laughing with me as we decorate the Christmas tree. I see us having kids and celebrating all their milestones.

She suddenly stops and comes to stand before me. “Everyone’s gonna think the wedding is sudden and we’re crazy but I don’t care.” She laughs. “God, this feels so good!”

“Come here and let me welcome you properly to your home,” I say, hooking my fingertips in the edge of her jean pockets to pull her close.

She loops her arms around my neck. “You’ve already been welcoming tonight.”

I kiss her. “This is a special kind of welcome.”

She glances at my crotch. “You’re ready to go again?”

“Not that kind of welcome.” I take her hand and lead her into the house. “Give me a second to get it. I know where it’s at but there are boxes in the way.” I didn’t unpack all my things when I first bought the home because I wasn’t sure where all the leaks in the roof were.

She moves a throw blanket and sits on the couch watching me while I search.

“Found it.” I carry the shoebox to the couch, and hand it to her.

Then I sit on the floor beside her legs.

She takes the lid off. “What? There are…”

“Dozens of engagement rings. Every time I saw one you might like, I bought it.”

The lid falls from her hand to the floor.

I reach into the box for the first ring I purchased. “I was eighteen when I bought this one with the graduation money I got. It’s not a very big diamond.” I set it on the floor beside me. “This next one I had a little more money so I?—”

“Stop,” she whispers.

“You’re crying? I didn’t mean to upset you.”

She presses her hand over her heart. “Your love is bigger than anything I’ve ever known.”

I blink away moisture in my own eyes. “I’ve had it for years. It was bound to grow.”

“What am I going to do with you?”

“Just love me. That’s all I want.”

“I will.” Her lips tremble. “I swear to you, Kannen. I’ll love you so fiercely.”

“Then…pick a ring.” I grin at her.

She points to the first one I bought. “That one.”

I open the box, take the ring out and slip it onto her finger. Then I get on my knees. “I know you asked, but it’s a question I’ve always wanted to ask you so I’m going to. Will you marry me?”

“Yes, I will.”

I help her stand. “Come to bed. I want to hold you all night.”

“And that’s it?” she asks with a smirk.

I sweep her into my arms. “It’s up for negotiation.”

“Mmm…sounds like you’re a cowboy with a plan.”