“No one—wow.” I stepped down to see a line of people waiting on the sidewalk. In fact, the line was around the building Macy was renovating for her new secret project and past the stationery store. “They’re waiting for me?”
“Yep.”
“But I don’t open for another hour.”
“I know.”
“Should I open early?”
“Nah, let them wait.” He lowered his mouth to mine in a sweet kiss. “Gives me a minute to be selfish.”
I grinned into his kiss. “I like when you’re selfish.”
“I hope so.”
I cupped his face. The scruff was becoming a part of him. Not quite a beard, but definitely not as Los Angeles as he’d been when I first met him. The little smile lines next to his eyes were blooming and his skin was getting tan from working on the truck during the long summer days.
“I love you.”
“Ah, fairy queen. I’ll never tire of hearing that. In fact, I’m certain of it.” He dropped to one knee and my stomach went into a free-fall.
“Oh my God.”
“I know today is your day and God knows I’ve tried to figure out the perfect time to do this, but in the end, all I can think about is getting my ring on your finger. I love you madly, completely, and with everything in me.” He pulled a black box out of his pocket and flipped it open. “Marry me, Ivy Rose Beck.”
The ring was…huge.
“Holy shit.”
Epically huge with the widest diamond I’d ever seen in all my life.
“Big ring for a big love, right?”
“Rory, my God.” I didn’t even know what to do with a ring like that.
“You’re killing me here.”
“Yes!” I crouched in front of him and wobbled a little, thanks to a baby screwing with my center of gravity. “Yes, a million times yes. I’ll marry you.”
He slid the ring on my finger and I was literally blinded. Tears made it shine even brighter, if that was possible. I wrapped my arms around him.
Someone in the line must have figured out there was a proposal going on. The clapping started and wolf whistles followed as he helped me up.
“All right, thank you.” Rory waved and ducked his head.
“You’re the one who asked me in front of the whole town.”
“Yeah, it seemed better in my head than the reality of it.”
I stared down at my hand. “Yes, well, the reality of it is crazy and,” I sniffled, “Rory Ferguson, you surprise me every damn day.”
“That’s a good thing, right? I know today is your day and all. And I shouldn’t have horned in.”
“No.” I went up on my toes and kissed him. “No, it’s absolutely perfect.” I stared at the ring and had to use my pinky to straighten it since the stone was so large it kept twisting.
“Besides, I want the whole town to see a ring on your finger. Once they start tasting your ice cream, they’re going to try to steal you from me.”
I laughed. “Never.”