He brushes some hair off my forehead. “I’m really hoping you’ll say yes, especially in this case.”
“How can I resist such an offer?” His surprises never cease to amaze me. A giddy swarm of flutters attacks my belly at the possibilities.
“Easy,” he drawls. “You don’t.”
Gabby squeaks from beside us. “You two are so super cute. I can barely stand it. Can I please be a flower girl in your wedding?”
I tug on one of her braids. “Pump the brakes, sweetie. No one is getting married.”
She pins Reeve with a steely glare. “Uncle Ree?”
He holds up a palm, placating the little fireball. “I’m not the boss.”
I pinch his arm. “Don’t put this on me.”
“Too late,” he murmurs from the corner of his mouth.
Jamie grips Gabby’s shoulder and swats at us. “Hurry and make a run for it.”
“And on that note,” he offers me a hand. “Shall we?”
I thread his fingers with mine. “Absolutely.”
Reeve leads me to a side door and down a gravel trail that’s soon enveloped with thick foliage. I’ve never ventured this way before, so the landscape is new. It’s easy to forget how many trees exist in certain parts when I spend so much time surrounded by open fields. Tall oaks and maple trees greet us as we pass, their limbs swaying in the slight breeze.
“It’s such a beautiful night,” I comment while tipping my face to the sky. The weather is reaching that succulent slice between warm and hot. This is the optimal period to bask outdoors without the threat of chill or overheating. A cool gust tickles my back, soothing the sizzle from my balmy skin. I didn’t realize how steamy it was in that building.
“Couldn’t have asked for better,” he agrees.
I glance around in the near darkness. The moon doesn’t reach this strip of land. “Where are you taking me, farmer?”
“It’s a surprise,” he whispers.
I falter to a quick halt, my sandals skidding along the dirt. “Why are you being so quiet? Please tell me there aren’t a bunch of poorly paid teenagers hiding in those bushes.”
He snorts. “And why would I do such a thing?”
“So you can chase them off and play hero. Duh,” I retort.
“That’s actually not a terrible idea.” His contemplative tone raises my hackles with a resounding screech.
I point at him with my no-nonsense teacher authority. “Don’t you dare.”
“Such little faith in your boyfriend.” Reeve presses a kiss to my temple.
“You can take the blame for that.” His periodic suggestions that involve a potentially traumatic activity leave me on edge. I’m certain he does it on purpose, so I won’t get rid of him. He represents safety and all. Cue an internal eye roll. I give the big guy a bone and play along. It keeps our relationship thriving.
Reeve lifts a large branch out of our path and a circular cleaning comes into view. Framing the small section are dozens of glowing candles. A gasp rattles from me at the romantic sight.
I lift a palm to my gaping mouth. “What is this?”
He motions to a blanket and pillows arranged on the grass. “Take a seat.”
I flop down without further instruction, situating the cushions for comfortable reclining. Might as well enjoy a gander at the stars while I’m out here. Due to my gazing upward, I totally miss what Reeve is doing. The strum of guitar strings has me flinging upright with another strangled breath.
“Ready?”
I look from left to right, expecting others to appear. Nothing happens. “Are you asking me?”
He chuckles. “Just listen, yeah?”
I cross my legs in a secure lock. “All ears, farmer.”
The opening bars are unfamiliar, but soothing. He plays several chords before beginning to sing.
Main Street caught a buzz
When a new girl pulled up
With golden hair to match her soul.
She hit me with a cart,
And that’s how our story starts.
Never-ever hasn’t been so sweet.
I didn’t mean to fall,
But will you catch me?
Tall skyscrapers can’t compete
With cornfields and true love.
You might be unsure,
But can I convince you?
This little town is fate,
Like the man you bumped into.
Will you let me be your heart?
The city has your past,
But this lonely man wants your future.
Don’t look back with regret,
Only happiness awaits around the corner.
Leave me loved,
But don’t leave me alone.
Promise you’ll be my city girl gone country by saying yes.
Audria Griffin, will you forever be mine and marry me?
I’m a sobbing mess when his final note rings out. The stream of tears is so thick that I can barely see him lower to one knee. Reeve is a kneeling blur mere feet from me as I stumble forward and tackle him. We collapse in a tangle of limbs and love, rolling until he’s propping himself above me.
He brushes his nose along mine. “Is that a yes, babe?”
“It’s a hell yes, farmer.” I smother every inch of his face with kisses, like a sloppy rainstorm. He chuckles while slipping a stunning solitaire diamond on my ring finger. “I love you so much.”
“Love you more,” he croons.
“We’re gonna get married,” I shout.
“Can’t wait to see you dressed in white.”
I cup his stubbled cheek. “You say the sweetest things. Did you write that song for me?”
“Sure did. Came straight from here.” He pats his chest.
“The greatest decision I ever made was accepting a teaching job in Bampton Valley, Iowa.” I wrap my arms tighter around him, never wanting us to part.
He returns the embrace with a squeeze of his own. “I’m damn glad you did.”
“You’ll always be my forever, farmer.”
Reeve ghosts his lips along my jaw. “Infinity never had meaning until you, babe.”
Those vows are just practice as we get lost in an eternal type of kiss.
**FOR EBOOK ONLY**
Want more of Reeve and Audria? I whipped up two additional scenes that you can read for free. Grab them HERE! (insert link: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/sbw9skcngr)
There’s a short story—I’m Calling Dibs—about one of Audria’s college friends that’s available to read for free HERE! (insert link: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/81mf6x10jz)
Are you looking for more broody, swoony heroes from me?
