“Late? Bummer. Does Marcus have any idea what you’re planning?”
Wynter scrunched up her nose and laughed. “No. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t. How are things on your end?”
“Oh… perfectly fine.”
“Rose—”
“Oh, gotta go.”
“But you didn’t answer my question,” Wynter shot back.
“Yes, to Penny, no to Mathew. He’s working today. See you soon.” Rose hung up before Wynter could ask anything else.
“Everything okay?” Marcus asked with a laugh.
“Fine. Apparently, they have a new mechanic named River. And everyone loves him. Rose is upset that your sister isn’t going to be on time.”
He grinned at her and reached for her hand to kiss her knuckles. “Well, Rose has always been big on family.”
They arrived at the Taylors’ farm, and it was decorated far more than a usual old barbecue would be. There were balloons, music, lights, and tables. Flower centerpieces made it look more like a special event than a barbecue—exactly the opposite of what Wynter had given the green light for.
She jumped out of Marcus’s truck before he had the chance to get her door, and she stormed right over to Rose, who was speaking to a pretty woman with dark hair, fair skin, and freckles. Grasping Rose by the upper arm, Wynter dragged her to where they could talk without being overheard.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Wynter demanded. “I said something small with family. I don’t want to make a big show of it. Been there, done that.”
Rose’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Sorry, girl, but when you plan to propose to your boyfriend, you need some fanfare. I know you don’t like the spotlight, but after the way you turned him down…” She tilted her head. “Don’t you think you ought to set the record straight in front of everyone who was there to see the first trainwreck?”
Wynter groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. “His family. My friends. That was all. This looks like you invited everyone.”
“Well, technically we’re a few people short of everyone.”
“Rose!”
Her friend laughed. “I have to get going. The caterers are going to arrive any second.”
“Caterers!” Wynter squawked, but Rose was already gone.
“Everything okay?” A pair of strong arms wrapped around her middle, and Wynter tried to calm down. “As okay as it’s going to be.”
Marcus nuzzled the side of her neck, then stilled. “Your heart is beating so fast. Are you sure you’re okay? Maybe we need to track Mathew down.”
“He’s working. I’m fine.” Wynter blew out a heavy breath and turned in his arms. “This isn’t going the way I wanted it to.”
“What isn’t going the way you wanted it to?”
“Nothing. Never mind.” Wynter pulled away from him. Geez! She’d nearly messed up the surprise. She’d planned this whole thing. It was the least she could do when Marcus had done so much for her. She wanted to make sure he didn’t doubt that her heart was in this for the long haul. Wynter had done her best to see a therapist and work through her intrusive thoughts when it came to losing the people around her, and she wanted Marcus to be confident that she was ready for the next step.
This was the biggest decision of her life.
She would get married to Marcus Palmer.
And she would be asking him today.
More guests arrived, and someone played an upbeat playlist from some Bluetooth speakers. Food was served, and for all intents and purposes, the barbecue was going perfectly.
Rose had neglected to introduce Wynter to her new mechanic friend, but with how on edge Wynter was at the moment, she was grateful she didn’t have to put on a brave face. What she really needed was to stay focused. She couldn’t lose her nerve.
Not now.
