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“Not at all. There’s something I needed to discuss with you.”
Once their coats were off, Jillian took a seat in the armchair next to the couch. Avery perched on the end of the couch closest to her. His heart was racing as he realized he only had one chance to get his proposal right.
He cleared his throat. “First of all, these are yours.” He held out the large velvet box containing the necklace and earrings she’d made. “I bid on these for you and I really want you to have them.”
There was uncertainty reflected in her eyes, but she accepted the jewelry case. Looking uncomfortable, she said, “I heard you’re leaving town tomorrow. I should go so you can pack or make whatever arrangements you need to.”
“I’ve changed my mind. I’m staying.” He could see his announcement surprised her. “And you should know that I’ve sold the house.”
Her eyes widened. “You bought the ranch?”
He nodded, hoping it would please her.
“That’s wonderful.” She smiled. And suddenly the tension between them seemed to ease. “I’m so happy for you.”
“The thing is, it’s a big ranch and it can get awfully lonely.” He watched as an array of emotions were reflected in her eyes. “How do you feel about ranches?”
“Me?” She pressed a hand to her chest.
“Jillian, I’ve handled this situation poorly and for that I’m sorry. At first, I thought you were still involved with Glenn—”
“I’m not. At least not romantically. I should have made that clearer.”
“Suzanna set me straight on a few matters unrelated to cake making when she was here. And I am very grateful to her.”
“You are?”
He nodded. “She encouraged me to follow my heart—to take a chance on the future and make my dreams come true.”
Jillian looked disappointed. “Oh, you mean the ranch.”
“No, I mean you.” His heart was pounding so hard that it echoed in his ears. “I love you, Jillian. I can’t imagine my life without you in it.” And the
n remembering the ring, he said, “Wait right here.”
He rushed over to where he’d placed his coat, and with shaky hands he removed the ring box from his pocket. She hadn’t bolted out the door so he had to hope that was a good sign.
When he returned to her, he dropped down on one knee and held the box out to her. “Jillian, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
A tear dripped onto her cheek. His body tensed. Please let it be a tear of joy.
The next thing he knew, Jillian was kneeling on the floor next to him. Her gaze met his. There was clarity reflected in her beautiful blue eyes. “I love you too. But are you sure about this? You want to start over with your own family?”
“I’m positive. I tried to tell myself that I was happy out on the road. Then returning and roaming through this house all alone, I knew I was kidding myself. I want to build a life with you.”
“And a couple of babies?”
“Them too.”
“What changed your mind?”
Avery understood her need for clarity. It had taken him a long time to get to this point. “I realized this living alone isn’t what I want after all. Being a bachelor isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. So what do you say? Do you want to grow old with me?”
“Yes.” She leaned forward, pressing her lips to his.
It all felt so right—so perfect.
A scratching sound interrupted the moment. Soon a meow followed. With a groan, they pulled apart. Avery hesitated to let her go, but he smiled, realizing there would be a lifetime of kisses. They were both smiling when they got to their feet.
