Page 69 of Finding Love

The two-hour trip flew by and just as the sun was starting to sink, they pulled onto Ocean View.

“I thought we’d stop here first,” he suggested.

He’d arranged for Parker to deliver some things and had every intention of spending their first night back in Pride in their new home together. He knew they’d have to stay in her small cottage until most of the big work was done. They couldn’t even turn on the electricity until all of the wiring was checked and inspected.

“I was hoping you’d say that. I’ve been dying to see the place again,” Brook said cheerfully.

As they parked, they looked out over the view. There was a low layer of clouds hovering just above the surface of the water, but above the fog, the night sky was clear and filled with so many bright colors, he doubted anyone had enough skill to paint it. He could even just make out the first twinkles of stars appearing.

“Wow,” Brook said with a sigh. “I think it’s welcoming us home.”

He smiled at her. “Then let’s not disappoint.” He opened his door and waited until Willy jumped out before rushing over to help Brook out. He took her hand, but then stopped and went back to get her jacket.

“It’s a little chilly,” he said as he slipped on his own light hoody.

“We only have a few more weeks of summer,” she said, zipping her own jacket. Then she took his hand. “Let’s take a walk first.”

He nodded and pulled her to the path that headed towards the beach below.

She stopped at the top of the hill and gasped. “You had the stairs fixed?”

He smiled. “Parker’s been working all week to get this done in time.” He pulled her into his arms. “Do you like it?”

“I love it.” She laughed when he spun her around in his arms. “I love you,” she yelled happily.

He set her feet back on the ground, then dropped to one knee and pulled out the ring box that he’d shoved in his hoody pocket.

“It’s time,” he said with a smile. “Time that I told you and showed you just how much you mean to me. Time I gave you more than just my heart.” He held up the ring. “You’re my everything. I can’t imagine another day without you in it. I want to give you everything I have, everything I am. I want to grow old with you. Here.” He motioned to the house behind them. “I want to spend the rest of our lives getting to know one another, learning just how much joy and fun we can create.” He took a deep breath as tears rolled down her cheeks. “Will you marry me, Brook?”

“Yes,” she said, kneeling in front of him and wrapping her arms around him as they kissed. “Yes,” she said again when he slipped his grandmother’s floral ring smoothly onto her finger.