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He basked in her compliment, feeling exactly the same way about her, as he swept open the door and ushered her over the threshold. A reception desk directly to the right greeted them as they stepped in, but the stone hearth that stretched up three stories to the pitched roof stole his attention. Dark wooden beams ran the length of the ceiling, and a grand staircase spilled onto the second and third floors where Brooke had created spaces for all kinds of therapies.
But the focal point was the floor to ceiling windows that showcased the picturesque lake, now surrounded with a colorful explosion of autumn leaves on the cluster of trees that dotted the landscape. The beautiful peaks of the mountains lay beyond.
Izzy placed a hand over her heart. “This is amazing. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of this view.”
“If you do, then living in The Smoky Mountains isn’t the place for you,” he teased. “Come on, everyone’s outside on the deck.”
They crossed over the soft burgundy rugs that covered sections of the maple floor. Beau ran a hand along the supple, suede fabric of one of a handful of couches that filled the room—this one situated in front of the fireplace and flanked by a love seat and overstuffed chair. When he reached the glass door that swung out to the deck, he stopped, needing this moment to be just between the two of them.
Izzy wrinkled her brow, her head tilted as if trying to figure out what he was doing. “Aren’t we going outside?”
“In a second. I just want to take a good look at this place. A good look at you. I’m so damn proud of everything you’ve accomplished, and how you plan to take something horrible and use it to help other people. That’s what this entire retreat embodies. Healing. Moving forward. Finding peace and building a new future.” He dipped his hand in his pocket and rubbed his fingertips along the velvety box.
She ran her hand over her long, blond hair and hooked the strands over one shoulder. “Brooke really has created something special. I hope it’s successful. I mean, I found what I needed here. Even when I was so scared, I could barely step foot out of my car the first time I came.”
“But you took that step—that leap. Now, I’m asking if you’ll take another leap with me.” Dropping to one knee, he pulled out the box and lifted the lid. The blinding princess-cut diamond stared up at Izzy.
She gasped and pressed her hands to her mouth. “Oh, my goodness. Beau!” An excited squeal squeaked from her throat, and she bounced up and down on her toes.
He grinned. “I met you when I was nine years old and have loved you every day since. You’re my best friend. The person who brings me joy and lifts me up when I’ve fallen. I want to stand by your side for the rest of our lives, lifting each other up. Cheering for each other. Loving each other. Izzy Sterling, will you make me the happiest man in the world and be my wife?”
She dropped her hands to her sides, the most radiant smile lighting her face. Moisture made her blue eyes shimmer. “Nothing would make me happier. I love you, Beau. I love your friendship and support. I love the strength you give me. The encouragement. Marrying you would be a dream come true.”
Beau let out a whoop of happiness and scooped her into his arms. He crushed his mouth on hers and spun her in a circle.
A cheer from the deck erupted.
Izzy giggled. “Put me down and give me that ring!”
He laughed and did as instructed, sliding the engagement ring he’d saved months for onto her ring finger.
The door burst open. Paxton and Sue rushed inside and gathered them both in a hug.
Gavin stood nearby, smiling wide. “Congratulations, man.”
“Okay,” Beau said, breaking into the commotion as the crowd of law enforcement and Pine Valley citizens poured through the doorway and smothered them with excitement. “Let’s get back outside. We have a grand opening ceremony to get to.”
With a hand on the small of Izzy’s back, he led her onto the deck. Surrounded by loved ones and friends, he stood beside the love of his life and listened as Brooke bubbled over with news and explanations about what she hoped Crossroads Mountain Retreat would bring to the community.
He hung on every word and held Izzy close to his side. He couldn’t wait to watch this place grow and see the benefits it heaped on everyone who visited. He’d lend a hand in any way he could as he and Izzy built their family…their home…and created a life they loved in the shadows of the Smoky Mountains.
* * *
