Page 18 of Uniquely in Love

Wrapping my arms around his middle, I hugged him. “Thank you.”

He wrapped his hands around my waist, lifting me up into the truck before hopping up after me. I sprawled back against the pillows, looking up towards the tops of the trees.

“It’s beautiful here,” I murmured.

“You know it’s where my parents got engaged?” he asked, sitting next to me, his long legs stretching out across the bed.

I shook my head. I hadn’t. Though I’d heard the story of my parents and how they’d gotten together, and I knew that his parents had met while she was a grad student at the University he taught at, I’d never heard how he’d proposed.

Owen continued his story. “He set up a scavenger hunt for her, sending her all over Portland to places that were memorable to them. It ended here, where Snowball was holding the final envelope and when Mom looked up, Dad was down on one knee.”

Snowball—a fluffy white Samoyed—was Matthew’s dog from before he met Noelle. Though she’d passed years ago from old age and I didn’t remember her much, I knew how much the dog meant to the Harpers.

“That’s so cute,” I said, looking over at him.

He had a faint blush on his cheekbones, and he looked away. “Yeah. They used to come up here and take the dogs on walks and runs. And then Pen and I when we were small, too. I guess it’s why I’ve always loved it. The smell of the pines, the fresh air, looking up at the trees and realizing how small you are… It’s grounding. Once I got my license, I drove up here and just sat for a while. Now, whenever I get stressed, this is where I go.”

“Wow,” I said, suppressing a little shiver. My lips tiltled up when I realized that he’d brought me to his special place.

Owen grabbed a blanket and reached across, draping it over my lap before scooting closer. “You cold?”

“Oh.” I played with the plush fabric. “Guess I left my cardigan in the cab.” I didn’t want to explain that the reason I had shivered had nothing to do with the temperature outside but everything to do with the conviction in his voice.

He hummed, changing the subject by asking, “Are you excited for prom?”

I nodded, watching as Owen grabbed the bottle of sparkling cider, unwrapping the top before popping it open. “I didn’t expect to go this year, that’s for sure. All my friends are jealous.”

“It wouldn’t be the same without you,” he murmured, handing me a glass.

I took a sip, hoping I could hide my blush. “Mom’s making my dress. We picked out fabric last weekend.” Knowing my mom, it would be done with plenty of time to spare. She loved sewing, even making her own wedding dress. One day, I hoped she’d make mine, too.

“What color is it?” He asked, perking up like an adorable puppy.

I bit my lip, trying so hard to play it cool. “Why? Are you going to match me?”

“Of course.” Owen winked, drinking from his flute of apple cider. “What sort of date would I be if I didn’t?”

That made my heart flutter in my chest. “It’s this really pretty shimmery light blue.”

He closed his eyes like he was picturing it, and I took that moment to appreciatehim. That firm chest, the bulk of him. I’d never really considered a boy like that before, but suddenly, I was hyper-aware of the fact that this was a date.

At how close we were together. I finished my glass and set it down next to me. He wasn’t a boy anymore. No, he was all man.

“This is nice,” I whispered.

“Yeah?” He reached over, brushing a strand of hair off my face.

I nodded. “What’s in the basket?”

Owen laughed. “Nothing too fancy. Sandwiches, fruit, and mom made some pastries.”

“Yum. Sounds perfect.”

He grinned, and we both looked at each other. I wasn’t sure I was breathing. Not when his eyes were tracing my face, darting down to my lips and then back up.

Was he going to?—?

“Ellie.” Owen murmured, tracing my jaw with his finger.

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