The scent of roses filled my nose as I took a few steps into the room. My eyes caught the trail of red, white, and pink rose petals, and my heart twisted with love. I followed the trail, careful not to step on the delicate flower petals. When I reached the bedroom it was to find the room transformed into something from a romance novel.
The room was lit with tiny little candles. An ice bucket with a bottle of expensive Champagne. Rose petals scattered over the king sized bed… And in the center of the bed a tiny velvet box.
I swallowed hard around the sudden tears in my throat.
He hadn’t given up. I thought maybe he had. It had taken me so long to fully trust that I was everything he needed. For me to truly see that I was beautiful in every way. When I finally had, I was sure that it was too late. Shane loved me, but I had put him through so much I was sure marriage wasn’t something he wanted with me anymore.
On trembling legs, I crossed over to the bed and snatched up the velvet box. My fingers were shaking as I opened the lid.
It was empty!
I fell to my knees as tears poured down my face.
“Hey, now.” Strong arms wrapped around me as I felt Shane kneel behind me. His strong chest pressed against my back, and I leaned my head on his shoulder. “You aren’t supposed to cry.”
“I want the ring!” I sobbed.
Warm lips pressed against my temple. “It’s yours, baby. It’s right here in my hands.” He turned me effortlessly in his arms until I was facing him. “See?” He lifted my left hand and slipped the ring onto my finger but didn’t release my hand.
Instead, he lifted it to his lips and tenderly kissed my fingers. “Will you marry me, Harper?”
I swallowed another sob and nodded. “Yes.”
His smile was breathtaking. Blue-gray eyes alight with happiness in the candlelight of the room. “I love you, Harper.” He kissed me so tenderly and a few more tears escaped my closed eyes. “I want that Carl and Ellie love affair.”
“Yes, we will have that. Always.”
“When?” I frowned in confusion and he laughed. “When will you marry me?”
“Tonight. Tomorrow…” My mouth snapped shut. I had to give my boss my answer by tomorrow. Was I going to accept the job now?
Shane saw the uncertainty in my eyes. “What is it?”
“Rex offered me the job. It’s mine if I want it… But…”
His eyes brightened even more, if that was possible. “That’s fantastic, beautiful! I knew they would give it to you.”
“That means living here, Shane. What about Drake and Lana? Dallas? Natalie?” Shane’s sister had become a big part of our lives. Both of them had. I enjoyed the weekends that Jenna got to spend with us back in New York.
“There are planes, baby. And phones. And all kinds of other ways to communicate with them. Besides, this is your dream job. They will all understand.”
“You would really relocate for me? Just like that?”
Shane rolled his eyes. “Of course I would, crazy girl. Just like that.”
My heart turned to liquid and I pushed him back onto the floor. “Start planning the honeymoon.”
“Baby, I’ve been planning the honeymoon since I met you.”