Page 68 of Hearts of Wealth

“Yes,” I whispered. “Yes, I want to marry you.”

My heart was overflowing with happiness and love. In that moment, surrounded by the beauty of the beach and his love, I knew that I was exactly where I was meant to be.

Timothy took my hand and slid the ring on my finger before getting to his feet. “I cannot wait to marry you,” he said.

A smile played on his lips as he drew me into his arms, holding me close. “I love you,” he said, his voice whispering against my ear. The words tingled down my spine, bringing with them a sense of contentment and peace.

“Timothy Hastings, I love you too,” I replied, struggling to keep the tears at bay. But they were unstoppable at this point, cascading down my face in a flood of emotion. He held me tighter, as if he could absorb all the overflowing emotions.

We stood there for what felt like an eternity with the waves lapping against the shore. “I can’t believe you did all this,” I said.

“I had some help.”

“Who?”

“Paisley set all this up,” he said. “And she helped me pick out the ring.”

“She’s okay with this?” I asked.

“Are you kidding?” he laughed. “I think she might be more excited than both of us.”

“Good. I’ll talk to her. I don’t want her to think I’m going to steal you away.”

“She’s not worried,” he said. “We had a talk before any of this happened. I talked to your dad as well.”

I rolled my eyes. “You and my dad,” I teased.

“We should probably get back there. Paisely is going to think you shut me down and walked away.”

We walked down the beach holding hands once again. We had barely made it back to his property when Paisley rushed toward us.

“Well?” she asked.

I looked at Timothy. “I said yes!” I held up my hand to flaunt the ring.

Paisley squealed with delight, throwing her arms around us in a tight hug. “I knew it! I knew she’d say yes,” she exclaimed, her voice shrill with excitement.

Timothy chuckled, wrapping his arm around me. “Of course she did. Who could resist all this?” he teased, drawing laughter from both of us.

As we walked back into the party, a cheer went up around us. Everybody rushed forward to congratulate us. Amber hugged me. “Congratulations! Let me see the ring!”

I extended my hand, showing off the diamond ring that was now sitting comfortably on my finger. Amber gasped in delight. “Oh, Catherine, it’s beautiful!” she exclaimed.

“Have you seen my dad?” I asked.

“Right here,” he said and emerged from the crowd.

“Dad,” I exclaimed, throwing myself into his arms. He enveloped me in a warm hug.

“I couldn’t possibly be happier for you, sweetheart,” he replied, pulling back to look at me. His eyes glossed over with tears, and a smile beamed on his face.

“Thank you, Dad,” I whispered. He wiped away a stray tear that fell down my cheek before turning to Timothy.

“Take care of my girl,” he said, offering Timothy a hand. They shook hands firmly, sharing an unspoken understanding.

“You have my word,” Timothy replied, wrapping his arm around my waist and drawing me close to him.

“Everyone, I would like to make the first toast to the happy couple,” Dad said, raising a champagne flute. I wasn’t going to lecture him about one glass of champagne.