Page 18 of My Devoted Mountain Man

"Thanks."

I press myself against Fletcher, and he puts an arm around me. This is unreal. More patrons approach me and give me their congratulations. Fletcher doesn't move from my side, knowing that I need him now more than ever.

When the night starts to wind down, he turns to me and holds my hands in his.

"You are a very talented artist, and the sales tonight have confirmed that. How does that make you feel?"

"I don't think it's real."

"It absolutely is. Ready to celebrate?"

"I don't know that I want to go anywhere but back to the hotel."

"That's exactly where we're going to celebrate."

He waggles his eyebrows at me, and I let out a laugh because I just realized what kind of celebration he wants to have. I love those, and now I look forward to getting back there.

"Thank you for encouraging me to do this."

"It's what we've been working on for the past year. I love how well your work has been received."

"Let's get out of here."

"We'll say goodbye to Elena and then leave."

I nod in agreement and let him guide me through the few patrons still enjoying the food and drink that is being offered. Elena has a car for us, and the driver ushers us inside.

I just sold a hundred thousand dollars’ worth of paintings. I am not ready for that or for what comes after.

My mind starts fretting about how people will expect more from me and the work I'll have to produce. My body tenses up next to Fletcher, and he puts a hand on top of mine and gently squeezes.

"It's going to be okay. Stop overthinking things."

"How do you know that's what I'm doing?"

"I know you, Erika. That wonderful brain of yours can be a gift or a curse."

Before I know it, we're at the hotel. I still feel like I'm walking on a cloud, or even better, rolling over a bunch of money. Whenhe opens the door to the suite, I see roses, food, and champagne all laid out for us. Fletcher went all out tonight.

These constant actions show his devotion to me and our relationship. It's part of why I love him so much. I walk up to the table and gently touch one of the long-stemmed roses. It's beautiful in its perfection, and I get a sudden flash of what my next collection will be about.

I'm pulled out of my thoughts when I feel Fletcher next to me, but he's kneeling. And he has a velvet box with a ring in it!

"Fletcher, what…"

"Erika. The first time I saw you at your gallery, I was completely smitten. My feelings grew every time I saw you until I couldn't stand to be in front of you without kissing you. That's when I hid away in my mountain, but you went after me and found me.

"The past years, by your side, have been the best years of my life. Watching you grow and battle your demons has been an honor, and it's made me admire you and love you even more than I already did.

"There is no one that I would rather have at my side for the rest of my life than you. So today, after you've shown the world how utterly talented you are, I want to ask you, will you be my wife?"

Tears are flowing down my face, and I'm shaking with all the feelings his words have stirred up inside me. It has been a long battle for me to get to this point, and Fletcher's been by my side every step of the way.

"I'll be honored to be your wife, Fletcher Connors."

I offer him my hand, and he slides the ring on my finger. I see the beautiful diamond in an old-fashioned setting, and I love it. I know Fletcher has had it custom-made for me, and there's only one like it in the world.

"It's beautiful, baby."

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