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“I hope you like it,” Heath said, and for the first time, I sensed he was nervous.
“I love everything you do.” He’d already gone off-script with the built-ins inside, the lights on the lane, and the fountain. “Does Aiden know about this surprise?” I asked as we stepped off the porch and in the direction of the mature Christmas trees Heath had planted at my request.
“He helped me plan it.”
That surprised me. I thought Aiden would have a harder time accepting our relationship, but he was working with Heath and planning surprises for me.
“This is more than just trees. We created gardens for you.”
I sucked in a breath. “You’re kidding.”
“Obviously, there aren’t any flowers. Knox will add those in the spring. But we did everything we could. Want to see it?”
“Absolutely.”
He led me through a space between the trees that led to a path lined with more evergreens. “Is this—”
Heath grinned. “It’s a maze. You asked for Christmas trees, and I thought people visiting the inn would love to explore this.”
Eager to see more, I took his hand, and we walked the path. There were benches placed every so often, and the trees were draped in Christmas lights. “This is beautiful.”
As we got deeper into the maze, I heard water flowing. “What is that?”
He grinned. “Let’s see.”
My heart pounded with anticipation. I couldn’t imagine anything more beautiful than what he’d shown me already. He slowed when we got to a small wooden bridge. The sides of which were covered in garland, and the center contained one large wreath.
When we reached the other side, the center of the maze took my breath away. It was a tree built with red poinsettias, surrounded by a circular fountain with waterspouts. The water shot out in measured sequence so that it was like the water was chasing each other around the circle.
“I cannot believe you did this.” I’d seen something similar to this in botanical gardens but not at a private residence.
Heath stood in front of me, holding both of my hands in his. “When you came home, I wanted to see if you were still the woman I knew or if you’d changed. As we got to know each other, I wanted to show you the magic of the holidays at my farm and the inn. I wanted you to fall in love with this place again.”
“Mission accomplished,” I said, my heart overflowing with everything he’d created here.
He dropped to one knee. “My plan was for you to feel the magic of the holidays, to fall in love with this place, remember the good things we shared, and create new memories. Ones you wouldn’t be able to walk away from. Marley, know that I’ll follow you wherever you want to go, but I’m hoping you’ll want to stay here with me.”
Looking down at him, I couldn’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be. Heath was my home. My love. The one I wanted a future with.
“Will you marry me? Will you create more magic with me?”
I was nodding before I could form any words, and he stood in front of me, his hands on my cheeks. Tears were falling as he kissed me softly. “You make me so happy. I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
“Is that a yes, you’ll marry me?” Heath asked softly, waiting for my response, as if he needed to hear the words.
“Yes, I’ll marry you.” I never thought getting married was a possibility for me. Especially since I never let anyone in, but maybe that was because Heath was the one. We just needed to be in the same place at the right time. I couldn’t help but think this reunion was orchestrated by Gram. She wanted me to come home and see Heath again. She knew we were meant for each other.
I couldn’t be upset with her because I’d never been happier.
Heath lifted me in his arms, and when I was leaning down, my hair falling like a curtain around us, I kissed him.
I hope you loved Marley and Heath’s story! Read more about their happily ever after in their bonus epilogue.
Hanna and Sebastian’s story in next in Trusting Forever, a friends to lovers single dad holiday romance.
