I roll my eyes.
“Are you hungry? I come bearing gifts,” he says, and I tilt my head. “Wait here. I took it into the kitchen so I could grab some cutlery.”
When he leaves, I turn the music down to a conversational level and tidy up all the embroidery floss and needle. He returns holding a large paper bag in one hand, cutlery in the other.
“What’s this?”
“I called your favorite restaurant in town on my way back.” He sets the bag and the cutlery on the coffee table.
“You know my favorite restaurant?”
He shrugs. “You told me about it on our date in New York, and I committed the name to memory. Remember you were comparing the burrata there to the one you order from the place here?”
I didn’t remember, but now I do. I can’t believe he remembers that, especially after the way that night ended. “That’s so sweet of you, Carter, thanks.”
“I didn’t want you to have to cook tonight.” Before I can ask why, he’s taking everything out of the bags. “I also got some Caesar salad as an appetizer and a few pasta dishes since I wasn’t sure which one you liked. The owner said you order a few off the menu when you’re there.”
My chest warms, and my smile grows. “You talked to Andy? I’m speechless. Thank you.”
“You being speechless tells me that all the other men you’ve had in your life haven’t treated you right. I’m going to show you what you’re worth.” He sits on the couch beside me, and with his thumb and forefinger on my chin, he pulls me in for a kiss.
I sink into his touch, feeling with my whole body how much I missed him today.
When he finally pulls away before things get too out of hand, he says, “Let’s eat.”
We decide to both have a little of everything, and by the time we’re done eating, I can’t imagine eating another bite.
“That was delicious.”
Carter hums his agreement. “I can see why you love this place.” He gets up from the couch, and I go to do the same, but he gently sets his hand on my shoulder. “You relax. I’ll clean up.”
“I can help.”
“I know you can. But you’re always waiting on other people. Let me for once.” He kisses the end of my nose before collecting the cutlery and containers and leaving the room.
While he’s gone, I turn off the music system, assuming he’ll want to watch TV or something. I can’t believe how far I’ve fallen and how fast. It seems insane to think that just a short time ago, I thought of him as the world’s biggest jerk, but now… now the thought of him leaving makes me feel physically ill.
“What’s wrong?”
Carter’s voice startles me, and I watch him walk toward me. There’s no reason to pretend nothing is wrong. If we’regoing to have a successful long-distance relationship, good communication is key.
“I was just thinking about how you have to leave soon.” I frown. “I know we’re going to keep seeing each other, but I’m going to miss having you here.”
He draws in a deep breath, and if I didn’t know better, I’d say he looks nervous. “I’m so glad to hear you say that.” He closes the distance, setting his hands on my hips, pulling me in. “I feel the same way. I don’t want this to end, and last night I thought, maybe it doesn’t have to.”
My forehead wrinkles. I’m not sure what he’s talking about, but I assume it has something to do with the reason he was gone most of the day. When I asked him while we were eating what he was up to today, he told me I would find out later. At the time I thought maybe he was out looking for a Christmas present for me, but now I’m not so sure.
“What do you mean?” I ask.
“What I’m about to say is going to sound insane, but all I ask is that you hear me out, all right?”
“Okay…”
Carter cups my face. “Ashley, we had a connection the moment we met, and yes, when I say the moment, I mean New York. I know I freaked out and everything, but it wasn’t because I didn’t feel an immediate draw to you. I just thought it was because of my long-standing friendship with your sister. But it didn’t take long for me to figure out after coming here that the connection I felt was all because of you. You are the most thoughtful, caring, and selfless woman I’ve known, and you’re gorgeous on top of it. You’re sexy, but at the same time you have no idea just how much. I love how you embarrass so easily and the way your cheeks get pink. I love how you care about your community and your neighbors and always strive to do your best no matter what the task is. There’s so much I already knowabout you, but there’s also so much more I want to discover.” He swallows and releases a shuddering breath. “I know you don’t think of yourself as a spontaneous person, but I would disagree. You bought this B&B in a different state, away from everything and everyone you’ve ever known, and took a chance that it would work out. What I’m asking you now is to take another big chance—on us.”
He drops onto one knee, and all the air leaves my lungs in a whoosh. He pulls a gorgeous antique art déco ring from his pocket, and I gasp. I know exactly where it’s from—the jewelry store in town. It’s been in their window for months, and every time I walk by, I admire it.
“Ashley, I love you, and I don’t want this to end. Ever. I know it’s fast, and I know people will have their opinions, but I already know I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I don’t need to spend another year enduring a long-distance relationship to know you’reitfor me. You’re my person. Will you marry me?”
