She glances at Lillie and Seb before hopping down. “Is everything okay?”
“It will be.” I grab her hand and don’t let go.
As I lead her to my car, my mind races. I have no idea where I’m taking her yet. But as I walk, the thought suddenly hits me—we’re in New Paltz, and I know exactly where to go. I know the place.
“Where are we going?” she asks for the third time as we hit the gravel lot. “Chase, what’s going on?”
“It’s a surprise,” I say, smirking as I open the passenger door for her. “Just get in the car.”
The engine growls to life, and I take off toward the winding mountain roads. The sun has long dipped behind the ridge, and the sky is a deep velvet, with stars just beginning to show. Narrow roads twist and climb, and Violet shifts in her seat, her dress riding up slightly as she adjusts herself against the curves of the road.
“Is this where you murder me?” she deadpans.
“I thought I’d wait till after dessert,” I say, keeping my eyes on the road.
Her laugh cuts through the quiet, but I don’t look at her. I can’t. Not yet.
“Relax, I told you, it’s a surprise.”
She groans but leans her head back, eyes narrowed at the ceiling. “Are we nearly there? You’re driving like we’re being chased.”
“I am being chased. By a thought, I can’t get out of my head.”
That shuts her up for a beat.
When we pull into the familiar driveway of the New Paltz retreat, she straightens instantly. Her voice is soft, almost surprised. “Oh. This is the place we first...”
“First, what, Violet?” I ask, glancing at her with a grin that betrays exactly what I’m thinking.
She rolls her eyes, fighting a smile as I park. I’m already out of the car, circling to her side, grabbing her hand, and marching her across the dimly lit courtyard toward reception.
The front desk attendant smiles at us as I stop at the counter. “Is Lodge 1881 available tonight?”
He checks and nods. “Yes, sir. It’s all yours.”
I don’t even wait for the key to warm in my hand before I scoop Violet up, bridal style.
“Chase!” she shrieks, laughing. “Put me down!”
“Nope.”
“You’re insane.”
“Probably.”
She clutches my neck, still breathless with laughter, as I carry her down the winding path. I’m aware of every thud of my heart, every pulse in my wrist. By the time I reach the porch of the lodge, I can’t wait a second longer.
I set her down, and the second her feet touch the wooden planks, I press her into the door, my body against hers, my lips on hers.
The kiss is hard, deep, urgent. Every beat of my heart is louder than the last. I pull back just enough, my forehead resting against hers, and breathe the words against her lips. “Marry me, Violet Harper?”
Her smile falters, eyes going wide.
I reach into my pocket and drop to my knee, pulling out the ring. The diamond catches the dim moonlight, bold and brilliant, just like I know she deserves.
“I’ve been carrying this around like an idiot for a few weeks, waiting for the right moment. But there’s no right moment. I just know. I want you. For the rest of my life.”
She nods furiously; tears welling up. “Yes,” she chokes out, laughing through her tears.
