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“I’m still thinking about it, okay?” Chloe asked, giving me a look. One that screamed, stop asking that question.
“Okay,” I replied softly, then added, “I think Reardon would be happy if you moved there.”
Chloe looked up at me, her face full of confusion.
“Why? Reardon doesn’t even like me.”
Boy, my sister sure could blind.
“Uh, yeah, he does … I think he likes you a lot, and not in the friendly sort of way.”
“Shut up! You’re delusional, Zoey. You’ve got stars in your eyes, and you’re seeing things that aren’t there.”
“If you say so,” I muttered, thinking I shouldn’t push my luck when she was already annoyed with me. And maybe I did want everyone to find love because I had, but I’d seen the way Reardon looked at her when he thought no one was watching.
“Hey, babe, you ready?” Gabe called as he walked in the front door, then said, “Hi, Chloe.”
“Hey, Gabe.”
“Honey, I don’t know if now’s the best time,” I started, looking at the boxes scattered throughout my living room.
“You need to eat,” Gabe argued. “So I’m going to feed you. C’mon, we’ll be back in less than an hour.”
“I don’t want to leave Chloe…”
“Go,” Chloe urged.
“Okay,” I said, throwing up my hands, even though it made me twitchy to leave things half done.
“Where are you taking me?” I asked for the third time since we left the house.
Gabe just smirked and didn’t answer. Just like he had every other time I’d asked.
I folded my hands with a huff and bounced back in my seat, staring out the window as we passed a sign stating Moore Cove Falls was at the next turn. I watched as Gabe swung the car that way, then pulled to a stop and parked. He got out, popped the trunk, and pulled out a picnic basket and a blanket.
“We’re having a picnic?” I asked, my little tantrum over as I realized how sweet my man was. Again.
“Yes, my little impatient love,” Gabe said with a smile, then offered me his arm.
It wasn’t a hard hike, but it was a beautiful one.
When we got to the base of the waterfall, Gabe spread the blanket out on a beautiful large rock and placed the picnic basket on top, then took my hand, and walked us over to the falls.
“It’s gorgeous,” I said, staring at the clear water cascading down the jagged stone surface.
“It’s not our waterfall, but I still hoped it would be the perfect spot,” he said, and when I shifted to ask him perfect for what, I saw him lowering to his knees.
My right hand came to my mouth, trembling as I looked down at my handsome man.
He gripped my left hand, his hands shaking slightly as he looked up at me, his eyes full of love, hope, and promise.
“Zoey,” he began, and I whimpered behind my palm. “I’ve never met a woman like you before in my life. Funny, gorgeous, smart, and sexy as hell. I love the way you’re always watching, taking things in, and storing them away in that brilliant mind of yours. I love your addiction to Red Vines, and the relationship you share with my son. Your open heart, generosity, and belief in me is unwavering, and I want to spend the rest of my life proving to you that mine is the same. Be with me … No matter where our lives take us next, or
what happens, I know that I can deal with it, if you’re by my side. Please, Zoey Zahn, say you’ll make my dreams a reality, and become my wife.”
Gabe pulled a small blue box out of his jacket pocket and opened it, revealing a gorgeous heart-shaped diamond ring, with more diamonds lining the band.
I stood there for a few seconds, staring at the ring and trying to memorize everything he said word for word so I could transcribe it later and keep it with me forever, then I shouted, “Yes, Gabriel Lewis, nothing would make me happier.”
