Page 81 of Valentine's in Bayberry

“But I don’t understand. You live in London.”

“I know. But I’m thinking it’s time for a change.”

She turned to him so she could look into his eyes. “Jackson, what’s going on?”

“Well, I was thinking that this area could hold the tables and chairs.” He gestured to the front of the space. “And back there”—he gestured to the back of the unit—“will be the kitchen.” He walked to the middle of the area. “And right here, I’m thinking would be a good spot for a small stage.”

She was totally intrigued. “And what would the stage be for?”

He smiled. “It would be for karaoke.”

This time she smiled. “I love it. But who is going to run it?”

“I was thinking that I would.”

“And what about London?”

“I like it over there, but I love it here.” He approached her. “Carrie, I fell in love with you when we were teenagers. And I don’t think there has been a day since that I haven’t loved you.”

Her heart swelled. Tears pricked the backs of her eyes. “I love you too.”

She lifted up on her tiptoes as he lowered his head. Their lips pressed together. His arms wrapped around her waist as he drew her to him. Her heart pounded so hard it echoed in her ears. She wondered if he could hear it.

Now that she was in his embrace—now that he was kissing her—she wondered what she’d been scared of all this time. She’d never felt safer in her life. He loved her. And she loved him.

When Jackson pulled back, he asked her, “So, do you approve of my plans?”

“I just have one request.”

His brows drew together. “What’s that?”

As seriously as she could muster, she said, “No more banging on the wall. I already lost one picture frame.”

A smile returned to his face. “I think I can handle that. There’s one more thing I need to ask you.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. Then he dropped down on one knee. He opened the box and held it out to her. Inside was a three-diamond ring. The center square diamond was larger than the two diamonds flanking it. It was simply gorgeous.

“Carrie Ann Byers, I love you with all my heart. You are the best friend I’ve ever had. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?”

She didn’t need any time to think it over. Her heart knew the answer all along. “Yes. Yes, I will.”

He slipped the ring onto her finger. When he straightened, he looked deep into her eyes. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

He pulled her back into his embrace, and they kissed again. All the while, Carrie felt as though she were floating on a cloud. If this was a dream, she didn’t want to wake up.

But when the kiss ended, her gaze latched onto the sparkling diamond ring on her finger. “I can’t wait to tell my family.”

“They know.” His words were soft but distinct.

She turned to him with her eyes widened. “How?”

“It’s the reason I needed your grandmother’s help. I didn’t have your father’s phone number. And I couldn’t just ask her for it because your grandmother has always been the curious sort. It’s impossible to get anything past her.” When Carrie smiled and nodded in agreement, he said, “I didn’t want her to ruin the surprise, so I filled her in on the plan. She was more than willing to help. And then she gave me your father’s phone number. I called him and asked for your hand.”

“You did?” When he nodded, a rush of bubbly emotions choked off her words. Tears rushed to her eyes and blurred her vision. She swallowed hard. “Thank you. I know it meant so much to my family.”

“You’re happy?” His gaze searched hers.

“Deliriously so. I’m going to marry my best friend. How could I not be?” She wiggled her finger, letting the light dance across the diamonds. “I just have one question.”

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