“Emily,” Jake said. “Come on.”
She shook her head.
“Oh,nowyou’re shy?” He chuckled and then addressed the crowd. “Everyone, give it up for Emily Carmichael. Show her how much you appreciate that mural.”
Claps, hoots, and whistles erupted, and Emily was certain her face would spontaneously combust.
“Go on.” Andi gave her a gentle nudge. “Get up there.”
Emily spun toward her. “You knew about this?”
Andi rolled her eyes. “Stop being so stubborn and get your rear end up there.”
Emily headed toward the stairs, and the clapping increased.
Jake held his hand out to her and guided her up the stairs, and she set the box down on an empty chair. Then he continued over to the podium, where he cleared his throat, and the clapping subsided. “Emily Carmichael, you’re my best friend. You’re the one who has always believed in me and encouraged me to follow my dreams. You never tried to change me or make me into someone I wasn’t.”
She didn’t care a whit for the goofy grin spreading across her face.Is this real life?
“I didn’t realize until recently that you stole my heart years ago,” he continued, taking her hand in his. “You’re not my buddy or my pal. You’re my heart. I’m sorry for not realizing sooner how much I need you. And I’m sorry for not telling you how much you mean to me.” His voice sounded thin. “The truth is that I love you. And I chooseyouand only you. Tell me that you’ll give us a chance.”
The crowd began to cheer.
One woman yelled, “Tell him yes, Emily! He’s super-hot!”
Another called, “Kiss him!”
“If you don’t kiss him, honey, I will!” another woman bellowed, and laughter circulated throughout the crowd.
Jake’s face pleaded with her. “What do you say? Will you give me another chance?”
She nodded as the tears welling in her eyes broke free, and he brushed them away with a featherlike touch that left shivers in its wake. She stared up at him as her heart cracked open. “I’ve loved you since I was five years old. How could I ever give up on you?”
“I’m so grateful to hear you say that,” he whispered, and his blue eyes sparkled.
“I’m sorry I shut down on you.”
He shook his head. “No, I’m sorry for everything. Let’s start over, okay?”
“Absolutely.” She took his hand in hers, and he leaned down and kissed her. She enjoyed the feel of his lips, even as she was aware of the crowd watching and cheering for them.
When he pulled away, Emily’s cheeks flamed as Jake waved to the crowd.
“Thank you all for coming today. Please enjoy the orchard,” he said before wrapping his arm around her waist and kissing her head. “Let’s go somewhere and talk.”
“In private?” she asked.
He chuckled. “Yeah, in private.” He tilted her chin up and kissed her again. “I love you.”
Emily grinned. “I love you too.”
She picked up the box, then waved to his parents and the mayor before they hurried off to his office, where he closed the door, shutting out the audience.
He sat on the edge of the desk, took her hands, and pulled him toward her. “Listen, I’m so sorry about Claire and everything.”
“Shh.” She placed her finger on his lips, and he kissed it. “Let me talk, okay?”
He pushed his hair back from his forehead. “Okay.”
