Page 57 of Capture the Moment

“Yes! I just got here too. It was meant to be. I believe in those kinds of coincidences, don’t you? My grandfather calls them miracles. What do you call them?”

“Is Kate there? I’d like to talk to her.”

The shower was still going strong, so Maisie decided to not bother Kate. “Sorry, she’s not available at the moment.” Lounging comfortably on Kate’s bed, she decided to take charge. “So, you’re the boyfriend, huh?”

“Yeah, that’s me. I’ve got something important to talk to Kate about ... so if you’ll just go get her.”

Maisie rolled over on her back. “Something important, you say? Do tell. I’m all ears.”

Oliver scoffed. “Exactly how old are you, anyway?”

“Plenty old enough to be Kate’s assistant.”

“And what exactly do you do for her?”

He seemed to have a fondness for the wordexactly. That told Maisie a lot about him. Direct. To the point. Literal. She decided to respond in a way that would help him understand her role. “I carry her equipment. I hunt out opportune viewing sites for her. I’m basically her right-hand man ... except I’m a girl. I mean, a woman.”

“Has Kate found that bear yet?”

“Grizzly bear,” Maisie said.

He chuckled. “A bear is a bear.”

“Oh no, it isnot.A grizzly bear is a subspecies of the brown bear.”

Oliver let out a sigh. “So did Kate get her Kodak moment with that grizzly bear?”

That sounded like the kind of rude remark that the other photographers might make to Kate. “I can’t reveal my employer’s private business.” She sat up on the bed and crossed her legs. “So, Oliver, tell me what’s so important that you need to tell Kate. I’ll relay your message to her.”

“It’s none of your business.”

True, but that didn’t stop Maisie from being curious. “If you want my help, I’ll need to know what this matter is all about.”

“What makes you think I want your help?”

“Because I have been extremely helpful to Kate this week.” Mostly, this afternoon.

“Are you any good at keeping secrets?”

“Well, I haven’t let you talk to Kate yet, have I?”

“Point taken.” He hesitated before saying, “Maybe you can be helpful. I’m planning to come to Grand Teton National Park to ask Kate to marry me.”

Maisie’s eyes widened with surprise. She sat up. “SHUT UP! No way! That’shuge! How romantic. Ilovea love story.” She gasped. “I’m just the person to help you with this. I’m really good at this kind of thing. So what kind of proposal do you have in mind? How big is the ring? Are you hiring a videographer? And when is this going to happen?”

“Hold up,” Oliver said. “I haven’t worked out all the details yet.”

That wasn’t good enough for Maisie. “Oh, come on. You want to win the hand of the most beautiful, wonderful woman in the world. This proposal should be epic.”

“Epic, huh?” Oliver chuckled. “I just want it to be special,something to remember. I’m thinking it should happen sooner rather than later. Like, in the next few days.”

Maisie grinned.This was So. Much. Fun!“Something to remember is a very good place to start. But you need a solid plan. Is it going to be a mountaintop proposal? Or in a helicopter flying over the valley? Or how about proposing at sunset by the lake? My favorite is Jenny Lake, but Jackson Lake is a lot, lot bigger. Leigh Lake is pretty. So is String Lake, but it’s kind of tiny. That’s probably why they named it String, don’t you think? Plus, there will be people all around, getting in our video.” She gasped. “Oh, I’ve got it! A hot-air balloon proposal. Nowthat’smemorable!”

“Hot-air balloon, huh? That’s quite a suggestion. But you might be onto something.” Oliver sounded intrigued. “Thanks for the advice, Melissa.”

“Maisie,” she corrected, but kindly, because she felt a bond with this man. They both loved Kate. “Just remember, the more creative, the better. And make sure that ring is sparkly. Big and sparkly. Girls love bling.”

As she heard the shower turn off, she decided it would be best to end the call now. “Gotta go. And don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me. I won’t spill the beans to Kate. Here’s my number so I can help you with plans.” She quickly dictated her phone number to him and hung up, a smug grin on her face. This was turning into the best summer of her life.

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