Page 177 of Peaks and Promises

“What’s the problem? You don’t want to be in school that long?”

“It’s not that I wouldn’t want to. I just don’t know how that would work. It’s so expensive, and it would take years.”

With a smile, he touched my cheek and gave me a soft kiss. “You should go after what you really want. We’ll make it work.”

“Seriously? College and grad school?”

“Absolutely.” He kissed me again. “If this is what you want to pursue, we’ll make it happen.”

A few tears stung my eyes. “Why are you so good to me?”

“Because I love you.”

“I love you, too. So much.”

After a quick swipe beneath my eyes, I went back to my dinner, gratitude and hope blossoming inside me. Having someone who truly cared—who truly loved me—was a gift I’d never know how to repay.

While we finished our dinner, we chatted about the logistics of college—the application process and what the undergrad program would entail—plus the upcoming school year, Nate’s latest growth spurt, and Reese’s upcoming security client. He’d be out of town for a few days, but I didn’t mind. At least he wasn’t heading to South America for months on end.

Our meal devoured, we cleaned up. It was getting late. The sun had set, and I was thinking about changing into pajamas, when Reese spoke up.

“Get some shoes on.”

“Where are we going?”

“There’s something I want to show you.”

The rare hint of playfulness in his tone caught my attention. “What?”

“You’ll see.”

It was probably still warm outside, so I stayed in my black tank top and comfy boyfriend jeans. I slipped on a pair of sandals and followed Reese out to his SUV.

He didn’t say anything as we left the house, and I resisted the urge to ask questions—especially when we left town and he took a side road leading uphill through the trees.

Finally, he came to a stop in a wide clearing on a hill, the taller peaks surrounding us. We got out and the scent of pine hung in the air.

“What are we doing out here?”

“Look up.”

In that secluded place, the sky was awash with stars. It was as if someone had tossed white glitter across a black sheet. The half-moon hung low and the jagged mountain peaks were dark silhouettes against the sparkling sky.

Facing upward, I turned in a slow circle. “Oh. It’s so beautiful.”

“Summer.” His voice was gentle but insistent.

“Yeah?”

When he didn’t reply, I turned back to find him down on one knee.

I gasped, my heart fluttering. Pings of excitement swept through my entire body.

“Summer, you changed my life. You brought me home. And I want to spend the rest of my life loving you, and Nate, and”—he hesitated, clearing his throat—“anyone else who comes along.” A few tears broke free from the corners of my eyes, and a happy laugh escaped my lips as he continued. “I would do anything for you. Go to the ends of the earth and back. I love you with everything that I am. And I promise to love you forever. Will you marry me?”

I started nodding before I could quite get any words out. “Yes. Yes. I love you so much.”

He took my hand and slid a diamond solitaire on my finger. He hardly had the chance to get back to his feet before I threw my arms around him.