Page 93 of Fourteen of a Kind

“Did you do this?” I looked at Graham.

“Maybe.” A smirk crossed his lips. “Did you really think your family would let you spend your birthday without them?”

“I can’t believe you’re all here. This place is beautiful.” I stared at the floral archway, the banner that read Happy Birthday, Ella, and the rose petals scattered over the wooden floor of the gazebo.

My Uncle Conner walked over, turned me around, and hugged me tight. “Happy birthday, sweetheart.”

“Thank you, Uncle Conner.”

“Ella.” I heard Graham’s voice from behind. When I turned around, I saw him down on one knee, holding up a beautiful diamond ring. My heart started racing. He took hold of my left hand. “You are the woman of my dreams and the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. I love you so much, baby. Dr. Ella Kind, will you marry me?”

Tears filled my eyes as I stared at the love of my life. “Yes, Graham. I will totally marry you!” A bright grin crossed my face.

He slipped the ring on my finger, stood up, and spun me around. My family shouted and clapped as we kissed.

“You planned this whole thing?” I smiled.

“I can’t take all the credit. Your family played a huge part in making this proposal perfect.”

“I love you so much, Graham.”

“And I love you, babe.” He smiled as he spun me around.

After my family congratulated us, I looked at my dad, who stood there with his hands tucked into his pants pockets and a smile.

“Daddy.” I walked over to him.

He wrapped his arms around me and hugged me tight. “Congratulations, sweetheart. I couldn’t ask for a better man than Graham to be your husband. I love you.”

“Thanks, Dad. I love you, too. Grandma Barb isn’t here?” I asked.

“She couldn’t make it.”

“Is she okay?”

“Yeah. She’s fine.” He kissed my forehead.

“Okay, everyone. Listen up,” Shaun said. “Five o’clock at Ascent. Don’t be late. Cocktail hour starts at five, and dinner will be served at six-thirty.”

“Cocktail hour?” I cocked my head at Shaun.

“We’re celebrating, Ella. Not only your birthday but your engagement.” He winked.

We spent a few hours with my mom, dad, sister, and brother before heading back to our hotel and getting ready for the restaurant. As I was in the bathroom, doing my makeup, Graham wrapped his arms around me from behind.

“Aren’t you happy I talked you into letting me buy you that dress yesterday?” His lips pressed against the side of my neck.

“I am. You knew about the party, didn’t you?”

“Yeah, I knew.”

I turned around in his arms and tapped his nose with my blush brush. “Thank you,” I softly spoke.

“For what?”

“For making me the happiest woman on the planet.”

“I should be thanking you for making me the happiest man on the planet.” He kissed the tip of my nose. “Listen, Ella. I don’t want to wait a year or two to get married. If I could marry you tonight, I would. But I know you want the wedding of your dreams, and I want to give you that.”

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