Blake
Six months later
The restaurant is supposed to be closed tonight for maintenance. At least, that’s what I had Melanie say when she called Harper this morning to tell her not to come in to work. Instead of heading into the restaurant, the two of us decide to spend the day at the lake fishing.
Shortly after my return to Raven, Harper hired me on as her new full-time manager. With the leadership skills I gained in the military, we realized I was the perfect fit for the job opening. Now, the two of us live together in her little Victorian on 2nd Street. We spend our days in the restaurant and our nights reading together or watching movies. Recently, we started going fishing together. We’ve also signed up for a dance class specifically for couples.
Things are going better than I hoped when I first returned to Raven. Oh, I was determined to make things work between us. I was certain I could win her heart eventually. I hoped I could, but to be at this place after only six months?
That’s a miracle even I wasn’t brave enough to hope for.
After we get home from fishing and shower, I text Melanie a smiley face. She knows that’s the signal to get me and Harper to the restaurant as quickly as possible. Melanie didn’t tell me exactly how she plans to get us there. For all I know, she’s going to call and say there’s a fire, but I’m hoping it won’t be quite that dramatic.
Sure enough, after a minute, Harper’s phone rings.
“Are you going to get that?” I ask.
“It’s only Melanie,” she says with a shrug and a smile. “I’m sure it can wait.” Harper comes over and wraps her arms around me. “Besides, there are a few other things I’d like to do tonight.”
“Maybe you should get the call,” I say hastily. “You know, just in case there’s a problem with the restaurant.”
“Yeah,” Harper says with a look of regret. “You’re right.” She reaches for her cell. “Hello? Melanie? What’s wrong? Okay…okay…I’ll be right there.” Harper hangs up and looks at me. “You were right,” she says. “The maintenance guys found a new problem and they need me to come out and look at it.”
“What sort of problem?” I ask, reaching for my keys. “I’ll drive.”
“Babe, you should just stay home and relax,” Harper shakes her head. “It was a long day and I know you’re tired. You deserve to take a break.”
“Come on,” I take her hand and kiss it. “We can get ice cream after.” Harper giggles, but lets me guide her outside and to the car. We hurry over to the restaurant. The drive takes only a few minutes.
“That’s odd,” Harper says as we pull into the parking lot. “It looks like the lights are out. Melanie said the guys were here and needed me to sign something giving them permission to do extra work.”
“Let’s go see,” I say. “Maybe the electricity is out and that’s what they need to work.”
“Yeah, maybe,” Harper agrees, but only half-heartedly. She walks slowly toward the front door of the restaurant and reaches for the handle. Then she opens the door and walks inside. As soon as she steps through the doors, she stops walking, and I know exactly why. Melanie has done her part. She’s done what she promised.
“What is this?” Harper asks, looking around the room. Each table in the restaurant is covered in rose petals and has a single candle lit. “It’s so beautiful.” She stares for a second, taking in the room, and then Harper turns around and sees me.
I’m down on one knee, holding out the ring I chose for her all those years ago. I finally went and bought it and I just know it’s going to look beautiful on her hand.
“Holy dragons,” she whispers, clapping her hands over her mouth. Then she just shakes her head, as if she can’t believe this is really happening, as if she can’t believe we’re finally about to make this thing between us official.
As if she can’t believe I’m going to ask her to be my wife.
“Harper McBride,” I start to talk. My heart is racing and feels like it’s going to beat right out of my chest. “These past few months have been the best of my life. They’ve been perfect. They’ve been incredible. They’ve been everything I want my life to be and I want this forever.”
“Blake,” she whispers, but I keep going. I have to say this before my emotions take control of me. I don’t want to cry in front of Harper. I don’t want to cry in front of the woman I want as my bride. I don’t want to cry.
“Harper, you already make me the happiest man alive. I love you more than anything else in the world. You’re my favorite person. You’re incredible. You’re strong and brave and sweet, and you make me want to be a better man. Please, will you marry me?”
“Oh, Blake!” She says, and she wraps her arms around my neck and starts kissing me. “Yes,” she whispers with a kiss. “Yes, yes, yes. Forever and always, Blake. Yes.”
THE END