Page 37 of Pretending with the Mountain Man
After completing the paperwork and making the payment, Sage and I walk to the Jeep parked outside. The autumn air carries the scent of pine and woodsmoke, Crimson Hollow preparing for the coming winter.
"So what's the plan?" Sage asks as we drive toward Bean & Bloom. "Please tell me you're not just going to hand her the box over dinner."
"Give me some credit," I say, mock offended. "I've got it all arranged."
"Details, old man. I need details."
I smile at her persistence. "The cliff lookout where I first took her hiking. Sunset. I've coordinated with Jake to set up lights in the trees and a small table. Venus is handling flowers. The Kanes are sending over a bottle of Iron Vine's best."
"Romantic," Sage approves. "Melody's going to cry."
"That's not the goal."
"But it's the inevitable outcome." She glances at me. "You know, a year ago, when you told me you were dating my best friend, I thought it would be weird forever. But you two...you fit. In a way that makes sense when it absolutely shouldn't."
"Thanks. I think."
"It's a compliment," she assures me. "You're happier than I've ever seen you. More present. Less brooding mountain man, more actual human person."
I can't argue with her assessment. Melody has changed me, softened my edges without weakening my core. The Malik Harris of a year ago would never have spent hours in a jewelry store, never have planned a romantic proposal, never have believed he deserved this kind of happiness.
"And Melody..." Sage continues. "She's flourishing here. The students adore her. She stands up to Principal Brightly when needed. She even told off that PTA mom who complained about her teaching 'inappropriate' literature."
Pride swells in my chest. "She's remarkable."
"You both are." Sage's voice turns serious. "I'm happy for you, Dad. Really."
I reach across to squeeze her hand. "Your blessing means everything, you know that."
"I know." She squeezes back. "Now don't screw up the proposal."
Friday evening arrives with perfect autumn weather, the sky painted in shades of amber and rose as the sun begins its descent behind the mountains. Golden aspens shimmer on the hillsides, and the first hint of snow dusts the distant peaks.
The air is crisp enough that Melody wears a cable-knit sweater, and our breath becomes visible in small clouds as we climb higher. She thinks we're having a simple anniversarypicnic, unaware of the elaborate preparations Jake and I completed earlier in the day.
"Are we almost there?" she calls from a few paces behind me on the trail. "These new hiking boots are giving me blisters."
"Just around this bend," I promise, reaching back to take her hand. "Trust me, it's worth it."
When we round the corner to the lookout point, her gasp tells me Jake executed the plan perfectly. Hundreds of tiny lights twinkle in the surrounding trees, casting a magical glow over the small table set for two. A path of rose petals leads to the railing overlooking the valley where Crimson Hollow nestles between mountain peaks.
"Malik..." She turns to me, eyes wide. "What is all this?"
"Happy anniversary," I say simply, leading her to the table. "One year since you walked into school on my arm and told the world you loved me."
"And started the biggest scandal in Crimson Hollow history," she adds with a laugh. "Mrs. Peterson still clutches her pearls when she sees us together at the grocery store."
I pour two glasses of champagne, handing one to her. "To scandals, then."
"To us," she counters, touching her glass to mine. The crystal sings in the mountain air.
We eat the dinner I carefully packed, hefty chicken sandwiches with wild mushrooms and grilled pineapple from her favorite restaurant in town. The conversation flows easily between us, comfortable silences interspersed with stories and plans. As the sun dips lower, painting the sky in deepening purples, I know the moment has arrived.
"Walk with me?" I ask, standing and offering my hand.
She takes it without hesitation, following me to the railing where the valley spreads out below us. I position her in front ofme, my arms wrapped around her waist as we watch the last rays of sunlight gild the tops of the pines.
"Remember the first time I brought you here?" I murmur against her hair. "Three months after we met."
