Mason has been texting me updates on where they are this whole time, and now that they are almost here, I take one last walk through the house. I make sure the front door is unlocked and get ready to call Landon for his cover story.
I stand back in the shadows and watch Austin take in the house, as she steps out of the car. I knew she'd love this house the moment I saw it. It's everything she's always wanted.
Shooting off the dummy call to Landon, I watch, as she takes a step towards the front walkway. Then, I head back to my spot in what I think will make an amazing family room. Everything is in order, and my security team is standing out of the way in the kitchen. They didn't want to miss this either.
The front door creaks open, and a moment later, it clicks shut. I wait anxiously for her to appear in the doorway to the room, all she has to do is follow the flower petals. When she does, she freezes.
Her eyes take it all in, the hundreds of lighted candles, the rose petals, and me in the center of the room. The surprise is written all over her face, as she tries to figure out what is going on. Though, I don’t think she has any idea just yet. She looks so beautiful lit by the candlelight. The house's dark curtains give a feel of sunset, even in the middle of the day.
"What is all this?" Austin whispers.
I hold my hand out to her, "Come here, and I'll tell you." I just need to touch her to ground myself again.
She comes willingly to me and takes my hand with no hesitation. Though, there’s a slight shake in her hand from nerves most likely.
"Do you like the house?" I ask her.
"Oh, Dallas, I love this place. It's so beautiful." She runs her eyes over the details of the room. The original woodwork, hardwood floors, and original moldings.
"The house sits on fifty acres. The property is fenced in and has good security, won't be hard to add to it, and tighten it up. It was remodeled about twenty years ago, and they kept as many of the original details as possible, but it needs updating again, and I know you’ll love doing it." I tell her.
"Dallas, what do you mean?" She asks, her eyes making their way back to mine.
"I bought this house for us," I admit.
"What?" She says, as it all sinks in. Though, she’s shocked, this isn't all I have up my sleeve for her.
My heart racing, I hold both her hands in mine and take a deep breath.
I drop down to one knee and look up at her. Her eyes go even wider, as she looks down at me, but otherwise, there’s no hint on her face on which way this will go.
"After all this time, you’re still the one I see a future with. The one I want a family with. I want kids, dogs, grandkids, all of it with you, in this house. I already talked to your brother, in fact, he helped me plan this today. Now, I'm asking you. Will you marry me and be my wife? Live this life in this house with me?"
Her eyes have watered over, and she opens her mouth to say something, but closes it and clears her throat.
"Yes, of course, I will." She says, as the tears start to fall down her face.
I open the ring box, and she gasps, when she sees her mom’s ring and falls to her knees in front of me.
"Where did you get this?" She asks.
"From me," Landon says behind her. "I knew how much you loved the ring, so I made sure to save it for you."
"I don't remember you doing that." She whispers, as she runs her finger over the ring.
"I almost didn't. At first, I was going to bury them with their rings, but then, I had a flash to a moment just like this, and I knew this was the best way they could be here with us. I saved Dad's ring for me someday, too."
Picking up the ring with shaky hands, I place it on her finger, and it's a perfect fit. Austin is now full on crying, and I don't care. Then, I lean in and kiss her.
My fiancé. My life just agreed to marry me. I hold her close and bury my head in her neck.
"Let's fix your makeup, so we can take some pictures!" Ivy says.
"Ivy!"
"Dallas asked us here to get photos. Your face was perfect, and you’re going to love these!" Ivy gushes.
"I got it on video, too," Landon says.
Austin turns back to me. "You thought of everything!"
"I tried. Now, go get ready for some pictures. Then, I'll give you a proper house tour." I tell her.
She shakes her head. "I can't believe you bought this place!"
"Anything for you, baby girl. Always."
Ivy whisks her off to do her hair and makeup, and Landon walks over and gives me a hug.
"You really will be family now, even though, you have been for years. Congrats. That house won't be the same without you two."
"Well, I've been thinking about that," I tell him and turn to walk over towards the back window. He follows me, but I know he doesn't see it.
"How do you feel about the guest house? It's got three bedrooms, you’ll have your own privacy, and we can remodel it any way you want. But you can still be here often or as little as you want, and we can carpool to work."
He just looks at me, almost in shock.
"It's just an idea. I know Austin will want you close. This way we can eat dinner as a family almost every night, but you still get your space." I tell him.
He nods. "I’ll talk to Austin, and if she's on board, then I think it would work. I don't want to be too far
