Page 36 of The Bride's Desire

“Yes.”

He started pulling things from the basket and putting it all between them. There were little sandwiches, a bowl of cut-up fruit, a bag of chips, and brownies.

“Where did the brownies come from?”

“I made them this morning,” she said.

“They look delicious.”

“I hope so. We didn’t have a mix, so I had to do them from scratch,” she told him.

She pulled out napkins, plates, and bottles of water.

“This looks wonderful, Love.”

He loved the blush that covered her face but also the smile of happiness.

They ate in silence for a few minutes. He would point out a frog or turtle he caught sight of, but otherwise, he stayed quiet and let tranquility happen.

When they were done, they put everything away except for the brownies and water, which he moved to the side.

“Come here,” he said and reached his hand out.

She crawled over to him as he sat against the tree. He helped her get comfortable between his wide legs. Naomi leaned back on his chest, sighed, and stayed quiet.

“I can’t remember being this peaceful,” he said.

She nodded. “Me, either.”

He tilted her head back against his arms and held her face with the other hand. He studied her for a moment before leaning down and kissing her. He kept the contact light as long as he could, but the searing heat was already taking over. He didn’t want to take her right then, so he lifted his head.

“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured.

“I think you’re the most handsome man I’ve ever seen.”

He loved the breathless quality of her tone. He leaned to the side, pulled the box from his pocket, and set it by his hip.

“Sit on my lap,” he said and lifted her, so she sat sideways on his legs.

“This can’t be comfortable,” she said.

He smiled. “It’s perfect.” He lifted the box and let her see it. He could tell it took her a moment to realize what it was. Her hand flew to her mouth.

“Naomi, I can’t see my life without you. You’ve made mehappier than I ever thought I could be. Please, would you be my wife and stay with me for the rest of our lives?”

Tears pooled in her eyes, and his stomach tightened when she kept quiet. Did he ask her too soon?

When she nodded, and he saw the smile on her face, he relaxed.

“Yes. I very much want to be your wife.”

He opened the small box, took the ring out, and lifted her left hand. “This was my grandmother’s ring. It’s an heirloom. Maybe someday we could give it to one of our daughters.”

“It’s so pretty.” She stared as he slipped it on.

He smiled. “It fits perfectly. That’s a good omen.”

She wouldn’t take her eyes off it. “Is your mother okay with this?”

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