Three years later

I hope this plan doesn’t backfire. Cara assures me it’s foolproof, but so much could go wrong. I worked with a generalized idea of what Mia likes, but I took this project on myself without any feedback from her. And it’s not like I have a backup plan in case she hates it. We’ll just have to start over, that’s all.

“I’m excited to see this new art studio. I can’t believe you heard about it before me. I thought one of my classmates would’ve told me.”

I smile tightly and pray she doesn’t see through me. I haven’t been this uptight since we first got together. “I have my ways.”

“How about afterward we try the Japanese restaurant that opened last month? I heard rave reviews about their sushi rolls.”

“I’m game.” That’ll be fitting, but I don’t say that to her. The less I say, the better because I can hardly contain myself.

After we park the car, we stroll along the road until the storefront comes into view. I stop in front of the red glass-paned door and turn to look at Mia.

“You ready to go in?”

“What, here?” She peers through the window into the darkness. “It looks abandoned.”

I chuckle as she turns her confused eyes to me. After opening the door, I gesture for her to enter. Moments before our arrival, I texted my teammate to unlock the door. I figure if I used a key, it’d be a bit conspicuous. She hesitates but plows forward, her gaze immediately scanning the walls as they adjust to the lackluster lighting and the smell of fresh paint lingering in the air.

“Wow, look at this space.”

“Do you like?”

Those question mark lines appear on her forehead as her eyes narrow. “What do you mean?”

“Do you feel the place is big enough for an art studio? I thought the location kicked ass being the tourism is strong in these parts.”

Her breath stutters as she runs her hand along the newly constructed wall. She bites her lower lip as she eyes the vastness with a much keener sense. Even through the darkness, the walls and tiled floors that mimic hardwood scream newly remodeled.

Her voice comes out low, almost like she’s struggling to breathe. “What did you do?”

“Nothing that can’t be undone. Keep that in mind.” I take hold of her hand and pray to God I got this right. “Come here. I want you to see the room from another viewpoint.

I lead her through the darkness, straight to the back of the room. She eyes the red crushed velvet material draped over an easel and shoots me another wary look.

“What’s that?”

I knew she wouldn’t let this oddity pass without question, but it isn’t time for the unveiling.

“I’ll show you in a minute, but I want you to see this, first.” I place my hands on her hips and pivot her small-framed body to face the entrance. She remains quietly standing as I flip the lights on. With bated breath, I watch her eyes widen with delight.

This view right here is what sold me on the architect’s plan. It’s the highlight of the room. When a customer walks through the main doors, their attention is drawn to the featured centerpiece illuminated by the overhead spotlight. Four feet away stands two inner walls that angle forty-five degrees to the far corners with track lighting running at the same angle. The room gives an illusion of narrowing to the centerpiece.

“This is beautiful.”

“Look.” I weave my fingers through hers and nudge her to follow. “When you first come in, you don’t see the true outer walls, but check this out.”

She trails behind, her gaze roaming every direction until she comes to a halt behind the angled wall. “This is incredible. I had no idea this space existed. You don’t see it when you first come in.”

“See what I mean. There’s a lot of extra square footage on these two walls. You lose some with the angle, but I think the effect outweighs the loss. The same is on the other side, too. You can have whatever themes you want. The choice is all yours, Cupcake.”

“What do you mean the choice is mine?”

“Happy graduation?”

Her eyes glisten as she scans the area again. After a beat, her gaze meets mine, the emotion heavy in her voice. “You rented this building for me?”

“I think it’s apparent I’ll do anything for you.” I grab her hand again and pad across the floor to the centerpiece. It’s almost time for the reveal.

“I don’t know what to say, AJ. This is beautiful, and it’s in a great location. The foot traffic will be heavy.”

“I’ll show you the storage later, but first I need to be clear if this is what you want.”

“Oh, yeah. I don’t think I could’ve found anything better.”

“And you want to sell your art in a physical store?” Her monthly sales are incredible for being exclusively online, but they don’t consist of the more significant paintings. She started half-ass looking for places last semester but concentrated more on graduating. I had my feelers out there, and when I found out about this place, I pounced on the opportunity.

“This has always been my dream.” She bites her bottom lip again. “I don’t even know what to say. It’s incredible.”

“You know, I only have another two or three years left in this tank.” I pat my chest and close the distance between us. It’s time. “We can move anywhere, but is L.A. where you want to stay afterward?”

“Of course. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

“I feel the same, but I’m willing to move wherever you want. Always remember that.”

“Okay, where are you going with this?”

I lean down and plant a soft kiss on her lips before turning her toward the centerpiece. “One last thing to show you.”

With a slight tug, the crushed red velvet falls to the floor and reveals the beautiful pond scene she painted on our first date. Her talents encapsulated me then just as they do now. I fucking love this woman more than I could ever express.

“This area is designated for the featured piece of art. I couldn’t think of any other piece worthy enough to be displayed here.”

“Oh, AJ. This is sweet.” The tears that have been threatening to fall spill over. “But no way in hell is this piece for sale.”

I laugh. “Especially with what’s on the back.”

She glances at me questionably. “On the back?”

“Go look.” Now, it’s my turn to bite my lip as a weird fluttering sensation invades my stomach. I wipe my sweaty palms against my shorts and hold my breath in anticipation.

She gasps.

Then openly cries.

I breathe, taking those tears to be good ones.

Sidling next to her, I once again take her hands in mine. Those striking blue eyes stare at me, laden with so much emotion. There isn’t another soul I’d rather spend the rest of my life with than the woman looking up at me as if I’m her entire universe.

I’m not a man of too many words. I don’t always whisper those sweet nothings, but what comes out of my mouth is always the truth.

“I love you more than I ever thought imaginable and want to spend the rest of my life with you. Marry me, Mia Gunner.”

She looks back at the two-carat princess-cut diamond strategically dangling from the support wire. Then she directs all her attention to me and says the best words humanly possible.

“Of course. Yes. Oh my God, AJ. I love you so much.”

I crush my lips to hers. This spitfire of a woman, so warm and sweet, is the perfect combination. She showed me everything I didn’t know I wanted, and with her body pressed against mine, there isn’t anywhere else I’d rather be. The future holds promise, and I can’t wait to see what great things she does with it.

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