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As our relationship continued to grow, I became more and more eager to make Bennett mine on a more permanent basis—and to show the world I was his, too. I planned it and did all the scheduling myself, without Jude’s help. If Bennett asked how I’d made it happen, I wanted him to know I wasn’t totally helpless.
I called Bennett one summer Friday night and asked him to spend the afternoon and evening with me the next day while I checked out an investment opportunity, just the two of us. Without hesitation or suspicion, he agreed. I picked him up mid-afternoon—no Frank—and we drove west to Springdell, the valley town that sat in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
As we approached Springdell, Bennett got suspicious. “Where are we going?”
I shrugged. “Just to look at some—”
“Investment opportunities, you said that.” He frowned and crossed his arms. “But where are wereallygoing?”
With a laugh, I shook my head. “Investment opportunities.”
Not long after that, we pulled into the driveway of a little family-owned farm. In the field beyond the barn, there was a giant, brightly colored hot-air balloon with a basket attached by suspension cables. Bennett whipped around to look at me.
“Investment opportunities?”
I grinned playfully and waggled my eyebrows. “Sort of. Are you excited?”
“Are we really going up in that thing?”
My smile faltered as I put the car into park. “That was the plan. Is that okay?”
He hesitated for an agonizing second. “Hell yes, it’s okay. I’ve always wanted to ride in one of those.”
A few minutes later, we were climbing aboard thanks to Steve, the pilot. He gave us a quick safety briefing and then we were off, the balloon lifting slowly into the air above Springdell. When we were up at our cruising altitude, Steve gave us the all clear to stand and move around the basket as we chose.
Bennett put his arms on the edge of the basket and looked out at the mountains and the town below us. I stood behind him, one arm around his waist.
“What do you think?” I squeezed him, and he leaned his head against my shoulder.
“It’s so beautiful. Is this why we came out here?”
I nodded and kissed the top of his head. “You’ve had a lot going on lately and I wanted to sort of celebrate by taking you to do something new.”
“Thank you.”
We enjoyed the view for a while longer, just standing there watching the world go by below us. I slid my free hand into my pocket and dragged my thumb over the little ring box there. Too soon, the sun was sinking in the sky, and I knew we’d be landing in only a few minutes. I turned Bennett to face me, his back against the basket, and kissed him slowly.
“Mr. Thompson,” Bennett murmured when we parted, a smile on his face. “Are you trying to get in my pants or something?”
I laughed and batted my eyelashes innocently, butterflies flooding my stomach as I geared up to do it. I took a deep breath and jumped in. “I love you.”
His smile was so bright and sincere. “I love you too.”
Taking his hand, I continued. “You’ve brought so much to my life. Joy and love, but also balance and understanding. I’m so glad I took that chance and approached you at the banquet.”
Bennett bit his lower lip and furrowed his brow. “What’s gotten into you?”
I let his hand go, pulled out the ring box, and dropped to one knee. “Would you do me the honor of marrying me?” I opened the box and displayed the ring I’d chosen for him, a band with jade stones set in it.
His breath hitched in his throat and his hands flew to cover his mouth, his eyes shining. “Are you serious?”
I nodded and lifted the box closer to him. “I’m so serious. I love you and I want the world to know I’m yours and you’re mine.”
He took a shaky inhale and nodded. “Of course, I’ll marry you.”
I stood and slid the ring on his finger, causing him to let out a squeal. Pulling him close, I kissed him gently before dropping my voice to a murmur. “I love you.”
Bennett closed his eyes and sighed. “I love you too.”
