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“We’re lucky he wanted to perform at weddings.” Most guitarists preferred to stick to the bar crowd in the hopes of getting noticed.
Hailey frowned. “He could do so much more.”
“My impression is that this is a side gig for him.”
Everyone clapped when he announced the first song would be for the bride and groom. Max stood, one hand on the lapel of his jacket, the other stretched out to Zoe.
She rested her hand in his and gracefully stood, letting him lead her to the dance floor. I recognized the first few notes of the slow but powerful song. Jake pulled me against him, making me forget that I was supposed to be working.
“Gia said to tell you to take the rest of the night off,” Jake murmured into my ear.
“She did not,” I said as I pulled back slightly to see his face.
His face was serious. “She did. She wants you to enjoy the rest of the evening.”
I wasn’t a hundred percent sure I believed him, but I wanted to get lost in the music and his arms, if only for a few minutes. He held me close as we danced for two songs. I reveled in the barn coming alive again.
With people talking, laughing, and dancing to the beautiful strains of the guitar and Finn’s mellow voice, I was content to take in the framed photographs of my family, the twinkling lights hanging from the rafters, and the smell of fresh flowers. It was perfect.
When the notes of the second song lingered, then died, Jake tugged me toward the door. “Let’s go for a walk.”
After a long day of working to make sure everything ran smoothly, I was more than ready to take a break. I’d worn wedge heels to navigate the grass during the day, so I could easily follow him.
Jake led me to the lit path we’d cleared around the pond to the new gazebo. Despite the occasional laughter and strains of guitar coming from the barn, it was quiet. It felt like we were the only two people in the world.
I wanted to create a place where people could hold their biggest events, but I never thought the property would completely transform into a romantic getaway. Gia wanted several pathways created and lit with short lanterns to lead the way. The idea was that couples were free to wander the grounds. It was romantic and intimate. Far more than I ever hoped it would be.
The water in the pond was lit by the moon. At the gazebo, we stepped inside. “We’re lucky no one else is here.”
Jake smiled. “Gia’s under strict instructions not to let anyone wander this way.”
I turned to face Jake, who’d taken both of my hands in his. “Why?”
The whole point was to allow the guests full use of the grounds. We wanted couples to feel free to break away from the festivities when they wanted a moment alone. It was the perfect opportunity for couples to have an intimate moment, maybe even—
My thoughts were interrupted when Jake went down on one knee. “What are you doing?”
It was then I realized the nerves on the lines of his face, the anxiety in the depths of his blue eyes. He was nervous. My heart pounded under my rib cage.
“Lily, I vowed never to get close to anyone, to never give anyone a chance to let me down or leave me again.”
My heart ached. “Jake—”
He gave me a stern look as he continued. “But I never planned on meeting you. You burst into my garage and my life, bringing so much light. You helped me to see that there’s more to life than rules and routines, habits, and structure. You made me see that there is a whole life to live if I just opened my eyes to it. The only problem is, I can’t live that beautiful life without you.”
I sighed as the words fell from my lips. “Oh Jake.” Tears welled in my eyes. “I don’t want to live without you either.”
“Then there’s only one thing that will save us,” Jake said, his expression serious.
“And what is that?” My lips twitched despite the seriousness of the situation.
“Marry me, Lily. Make me the happiest guy on earth.” Jake’s expression was earnest.
I tugged him to stand in front of me and rested my palms on his chest. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
“Thank fuck,” he murmured as his lips pressed against mine. They were insistent and hard and a little bit desperate.
He kissed me for what felt like minutes before pulling back slightly. His expression held awe for me.
