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He just chuckles and helps to pull me to my feet.
Whoa.
There’s a whole other section that’s been added. For the first time, I can see how massive this tree truly is. Not only has it been given a new addition but the inside looks like something you could actually live in. There’s a fancy propane stove set up and a narrow countertop. A small table and two chairs. There’s a love seat.How on earth did that even get up here?And there’s a bed—a whole bed—with a big fluffy duvet and euro shams. I laugh. This place is outrageous. It looks like one of those luxury glamping tree houses that are always booked out.
My fingers fan out across my breastbone as I walk around the space, fairly certain my jaw needs to be picked up off the floor.
“Yeah, I’ve been working on it for a few days.”
“Youdid this?!”
“Well. I may have gotten a little help from some general contractors who are Lakes fans.”
A tentative smile on my lips builds as my gaze leaps from one enhancement to the next. This is unbelievable.
“This is what you’ve been doing all week?” I shove him.
He grabs my wrist and spins me so my back is pressed to his chest. His arms cover mine, and he wraps them around my stomach, curling me in a hug as we stand and admire the craftsmanship.
“Early on, everybody wanted to tear the fort down. It was a point of contention in your family, but I wouldn’t let them. I fought hard to keep it and told them I would take care of it if they left it up. Every spring, I come by after the snow thaws to inspect and make any repairs. This has been a sanctuary for Jack and me to come out here and feel close to you. It’s where all three of us played as kids, where you and I shared our first kiss.”
I don’t know what to say.
“Your to-do list wasn’t the easiest, and I didn’t get everything... but”—he drops one of my hands and points to the largest addition where the bed sits—“I added on to make it bigger, and there are garden boxes outside where we can plant—and I quote, ‘all the good vegetables and none of the gross ones.’
“Your skylight to watch the stars.” He points above, and sure enough, there’s a skylight I had yet to notice.
He rubs my shoulders and steps away. His tall stature leaves little headroom, but he still walks through the space without ducking down.
He points out the window. “The bathroom you requested was not so simple. Apparently, there’s a lot of zoning and soil-grade stuff that needs to happen. However, I did get a rain barrel to install an outdoor shower.”
Our childhood “deal” creeps into my brain. No, that’s not what this is. But I know he’s got something up his sleeve.
“Lonan, why did you do all this?”
A smirk forms on his lips as he strides over to me. His gorgeous smile grows, and those white teeth bite into his lower lip. He reaches out, grabs one of my belt loops, and jerks my hips into his. His touch relaxes me as he slides his hand into my hair.The way he’s looking at me...My body missed his touch this week. I lean into him and sigh.
He places a soft kiss along the sensitive skin below my ear.
“Do youlike-likeme, Bridget?”
The smile on my face grows.
“I like-like you.Is this the part where we kiss?”I finish his cute bit.
He chuckles and drops a small bite onto my neck.God, I’ve missed this.He brings his mouth to mine, and his tongue laps at my lower lip, seeking entrance to my mouth. My hands find the edge of his shirt and slide underneath up to his chest, where I draw my claws down his stomach. My need twists tighter and tighter. His kiss is patient and slow, and torturous.
“The last time I was kissed here, it was you giving me my first kiss.”
He tilts my chin up, and I stretch on my toes to meet his lips, but he pulls his head back. I try to shuffle back, but his arm keeps me locked in place. Instead, he searches my eyes, clearly lost in his thoughts—I would give anything to hear what he’s thinking out loud.
He clears his throat. “Can I give you your last too?”
I cock my head at him. My body stalls as his words sink in. Does he even know what he’s saying? Stepping back, he produces a ring box from his pocket, and my hand slaps over my mouth.Oh. My. God.Tears well in my eyes as he gets down on one knee. This can’t be happening. No, this isn’t happening.
“I know you think you’ll be returning to Vancouver, but there’s no way I’m letting you go that easy. I won’t let your family lose you twice. I’ll never let that happen. I’ll never take for granted this second chance. A second chance to fall in love with you for the first time. Making you live with me was the smartest decision I’ve ever made; it’s made me realize how much I love you.”
The admission causes my eyes to widen. My heart explodes into pieces.
