Page 92 of Crossed Lines

“Youngest goes first!” Jade yells. She grabs a plate and steps right up to the food.

“I think that would mean Noah would go first,” I say.

Her shoulders fall. “Dang it.”

Aspen laughs. “Don’t worry. I’ll make his plate when I get mine. You go, girl.”

“Yay!”

The rest of us fall in line behind her, grabbing food and then finding a seat around the house. Our dining room table isn’t big enough to fit everyone, so Willow and I end up at the barstools in the kitchen.

Everyone eats and chit chats but all I can think about is the proposal speech that I’ve practiced over and over again this last week. As I watch the food on Willow’s plate dwindle, I realize it’s time. I wanted to do this after dinner, but now I’m doubting everything.

What if she’s not ready?

What if she says no?

What if she hates the ring?

What if she hates me?

Ok, that last one is a bit extreme, but those are the thoughts going through my stupid head right now. I physically shake my head to make them go away.

“You good?” Willow lays her hand on top of mine. She loves me. I know she does. Everything will work out.

“Yeah, baby. I’m all good,” I assure her.

She smiles at me and I, once again, get the confidence boost I need.

“Actually, can I talk to you outside for a second?” I ask.

She looks confused but nods. I know I need to do this now before I chicken out.

“We’ll be right back,” I announce.

I grab Willow’s hand and take her into the back, where the sun is just starting to set over the ranch. It’s the perfect backdrop, and I’m hoping one of our friends will realize what is happening and take pictures. Maybe I should’ve filled one of them in beforehand, but it’s too late now.

“Is everything ok, Beck?” Willow asks, her voice laced with concern.

“Yeah, everything is wonderful. There’s just something I wanted to talk to you about.”

“Right now? With everyone here?”

“Yes.”

“Alright.”

“Ok.” I shake out my hands to get rid of the nervousness. “So, we’ve been living together for a year now.”

“Are you kicking me out? In front of all our friends?” she asks.

“What? No!” I grab her hands and hope she doesn’t notice how sweaty mine are. “We’ve been living together for a year now, and it’s been the best year of my life. You’ve shown me exactly what I didn’t know I wanted.”

“Wait. Oh my god!” I think she’s finally catching on.

“I want to wake up next to you every day for the rest of my life. I want to be there when you’ve had a bad day, and I want to celebrate with you when you’ve had a good day. I want to be your partner, your best friend, your lover. Because you make me the happiest man in the world and I only hope you’ll give me the chance to be everything you need.”

I let go of her hand and find the ring in my pocket before dropping down to one knee. “Marry me, Willow. So we can spend the rest of our lives being happy together.”