Page 59 of Behind the Cascades
Hayes says, "One second," before getting out of his truck and making his way to my side. He opens my door and helps me out. We walk hand in hand toward the house, but before we get to the first step, he stops.
Tears begin to blur my vision before I look at him. This is the moment I've wanted since I was a little girl and developed my first crush.
His knee hits the ground and my heart soars in my chest.
He pulls the antique box out of his pocket and all I can smell is peppermint. "Charlotte Amelia Reynolds, you are the sun that my world has always revolved around. Not a day has gone by that I haven't loved you or longed for you. There is nothing I want more in this world than for you to be my wife, the mother of my children, and the one I spend the rest of my life loving. You're my best friend, my soulmate, and the owner of my heart. Will you marry me, Sunshine?"
My tears of joy turn into sobs as I nod vigorously, unable to form words through the overwhelming emotions. “This ring has been in here since before my last deployment. You didn’t know it, but you still carried it around everyday that I was gone.” I can barely see through all the happy tears. I knew Hayes would have a heartfelt proposal but I never expected it to be thisperfect. I feel like the luckiest woman alive, standing in front of the home we built together, where every dream we've ever had is coming to fruition and new dreams will be born. This moment is everything I've ever wanted and more.
He reaches for my shaky hand with his steady one and places the ring on my finger. A beautiful cushion cut with a diamond band. It must have cost a fortune, but in that moment, all I could see was the love and commitment behind the gesture. I wouldn't have cared if he proposed with a silicone ring; the sentiment is still the same. I get to spend the rest of my life with Hayes.
Hayes wipes away my tears and whispers, "You and me, forever."
I smile while staring at the ring on my finger, placed on his hard chest. "This is the best day of my entire life."
"Mine too. Ready to see the rest of the house?" Nodding, I turn. I've lost a little bit of the steam behind seeing the inside, ready to call my family and tell them the good news, but I know that can wait. I want to live in the present and enjoy the first moment we step into our future.
"Let's do it, fiancé."
He opens the front door for me, and when I step inside, everything is perfect. The dark stained trim contrasts with the light walls and beige furniture we picked out. The great room, dining room, and kitchen are all open and connected. Hayes picked out an enormous dining room table that has a beautiful floral centerpiece. Our kitchen isn't huge, but the counters are all butcher block and the stainless steel appliances give it a modern touch.
"It's everything I wanted." Tears spill again as I hug Hayes and bury my head into his chest.
"There's one more thing I want to show you." He grabs my hand and guides me to the patio.
Through the French doors, I see more overflowing flower baskets, but the real surprise isn't what I see on the patio; it's who.
I fling open the door and throw my hand in the air, showing off my new ring. Connie, Odessa, Everett, Olivia, Ellie, and Ben shout and cheer at the same time.
Odessa is the first to hug me, followed by Connie, who whispers in my ear, "Your mom and I dreamed of this moment." An overwhelming feeling of love and gratitude hit me as I looked around at my closest friends and family celebrating with me.
Everett is face-timing with Drew, who is looking slightly teary-eyed as well, and I'm so thankful even he gets to be part of this. I held the phone and showed off my giant rock.
"It really is the perfect date." Everett's cheeky grin is in full force as he holds up a champagne glass. "April 25th, not too hot, not too cold."
Odessa rolls her eyes but holds her glass up next to his, finishing his joke. "All you need is a light jacket."
Everyone stares at them, waiting for the punchline or reference. With these two, it's guaranteed to be a rom-com.
Hayes gets it first. "Miss Congeniality? Of all the movies? You choose Miss Congeniality?"
Everett shrugs and his smile gets even wider. "You chose the date, my friend."
Odessa laughs and clinks her glass with Hayes', "Don't complain, it could've been much worse knowing Ev."
Olivia and the kids have been hanging back, smiling from a distance. I assume it’s because she doesn't want to intrude, but that isn't how this family works. She should be as involved as everyone else, especially because I can guarantee she's the one who set this all up.
I hand the phone back to Everett and yell to Olivia. "Hey, Liv! Get your ass over here and congratulate me."
She laughs and carries Ellie over. Ben follows right on her heels, and a huge smile lights up his face when Hayes reaches down to him.
"Congratulations! I'm so happy for you both."
"Good, then stop being weird and come join the celebration. You're part of this family too, you know."
Olivia blushes and nods, her eyes going misty. We've been through the wringer the last few years together, both holding each other up when we needed it. I wouldn't be standing here today in my dream house, engaged to my dream guy, if it weren't for her.
"Auntie Char!" Ellie reaches for me, and I take her from Olivia.
