Page 196 of Love in Riverbend
“Saturday at five, just in time for sunset.”
A little backstory.
Jack and Janet Dunn took Dad’s and my offer. In a few weeks, Ricky is moving to Bloomington to work on a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He promises he’ll still come around on the weekends to help out when I need him.
Jack and Janet found a home on the west coast of Florida, some small town that is still a fishing village. They plan to live between there and Riverbend. Even though we didn’t tell them when they had to vacate the house on the new, larger Sheers farm, Devan said they are looking at smaller houses in town—something with less upkeep.
Now that Dad and I own what was the Dunn farm, the idea of moving out of my parents’ home has dominated my thoughts—well, other than Devan. She’s my number-one thought and the biggest reason it’s time to move out. That is why I have a diamond solitaire in the pocket of my jeans. Classes finished up today for the holiday break.
In Riverbend, it’s difficult to keep anything a secret, but I’ve done my best. My parents and Devan’s parents know my plan. Jack and I had a long talk. I did the traditional thing, asking for his daughter’s hand, telling him how much I love her and will work to take care of her. Mostly, I want to be a partner with her. I want the two of us to strive to make one another’s dreams come true. He said I have his and Janet’s blessings, but the decision is Devan’s.
Saturday night, driving up to the farmhouse where the Dunns still live, I pat my pocket. If I hadn’t told half of Riverbend to be at Empire Quarry, I could let my nerves get the better of me. A year ago, I couldn’t have imagined proposing to anyone. As I get out of the truck and head toward the back door, I know I can’t imagine living without Devan.
Once inside, I rub my hands together.
“Hi,” Devan says, all smiles as she reaches for my hands. “You’re cold.”
“Yeah, it’s cold out there.” I scan her up and down, seeing her boots, blue jeans, and soft pink sweater. Higher still is her radiant smile, sexy soft-brown eyes, and her crown of yellow hair. “Are you ready?”
“Where are we going that I need to be bundled up?”
“It’s a surprise.” I turn up my smile. “Miss Dunn, you’ve just completed your first semester of teaching. I won’t let that momentous occasion pass without a celebration.”
“And we can’t celebrate someplace warm?”
Seizing her chin, I bring her lips to mine. “I’ll keep you warm.”
Her orbs soften to a plush suede. “Now who could turn down that offer?”
As we drive, I talk about things to keep her distracted. It’s when I stop the truck that Devan realizes where we are.
“Empire Quarry?”
“It’s the first stop of our celebration.”
After pulling a hat over her head, Devan pushes her hands into her gloves. “I’m glad you told me to be prepared.”
The cold winter wind whips around, blowing a dusting of snow over the frozen ground. The green leaves are gone, and the bare branches of deciduous trees creak high above. Thankfully, the sun shone today, although it’s about ready to set. The sky is filled with blues and grays. By the time we near the limestone ledge, my cheeks are cold, and Devan’s are pink just like her nose.
I say a little prayer that everyone is set.
Stepping beyond the trees, the wind picks up and Devan wraps her arms around herself.
“I know it’s cold,” I say. “I could have waited until spring.”
Her shimmering stare looks up at me. “Waited for what?”
Taking her hand, I fall to one knee.
“Oh, Justin.”
“Devan, I told you that when I proposed marriage, you’d know it. That’s what I want to do today.” I look around. “In the cold, where we had our first date.” With the darkening sky, I make out the silhouettes of our friends and family in the trees behind Devan. Looking up, I catch sight of a tear sliding down Devan’s cheek. “I planned on staying a bachelor forever—not planned but was ready to. That life was easy and comfortable. And then one night when I least expected it, I came across a beautiful woman who took my breath away. She was everything I didn’t know I was missing. From her sexy, confident banter to her earth-quaking kiss, I was blown away. The thing was, she wouldn’t give me her name.”
Devan’s smile grows as more tears stream down her cheeks.
“And then I saw her again. There was every reason for me to stay away from her, but I couldn’t. I knew after one kiss, Devan Dunn, you were meant to be mine and I yours. I know this is love because it’s so damn strong that I want to be at your side for the rest of our lives. I love you more than I imagined I was capable of loving. Will you marry me?”
I pull the diamond from my pocket.
