Page 165 of Our Chaotic Love Affair

The musicians switched to something faster. More festive. Cash took my hand.

“Dance with me,” he said.

“Here?”

“Where else?”

He pulled me into the space near the fountain and we danced. Just like we had all those months ago. Except this time I had a ring on my finger that meant the real thing.

This time it was real.

Other couples joined us. The whole piazza became a dance floor. Marco brought out more champagne. People toasted us even though they didn’t know us.

“This is insane,” I said, laughing as Cash spun me.

“Good insane or bad insane?”

“The best insane.”

We danced until my feet hurt. Until I was breathless and dizzy and so happy I could burst.

Finally, Cash pulled me close, holding me as we swayed to a slower song.

“I can’t believe you did this,” I said.

“I told you. When I propose, you’ll know.”

“I definitely know.” I looked up at him. “When?”

“When what?”

“When do you want to get married?”

“Tomorrow. Next week. Whenever you want.”

“Be serious.”

“I am serious.” He kissed my forehead. “But I know you. You’re going to want to plan. Make it perfect. So whenever you’re ready. A year, two years, whenever.”

“Not two years.”

“No?”

“No. I don’t want to wait that long.” I smiled. “Maybe a year?”

His eyes went wide. “Really?”

“I’ll wait.”

We kept dancing.

It was nearly midnight when we finally made it back to our hotel. The same one from our first trip. The same suite. Except this time when we walked in, there were flowers everywhere.

“You did not,” I said.

“I might have made a few calls.”

Roses. Peonies. Everything I’d ever mentioned loving. The room looked like a garden.