"About the future. About us."
My heart kicks up. "Okay."
"I'm going to need someone to help manage this location. Someone who understands the guest experience, who knows how to create magic, who I trust completely."
"Are you offering me a job?"
"I'm offering you a partnership. In this location. In the business." He turns to face me fully. "I want to build this with you. Not just as my girlfriend, but as my partner. In everything."
Tears prick my eyes. "Justin?—"
"Before you answer, there's something else." He reaches into his pocket, and my breath stops.
He pulls out a small box. Opens it.
Inside is a ring. Not huge, not ostentatious, a simple rose gold band with a snowflake-shaped diamond.
"I know it's fast," he says. "I know we've only been together for six months. But I also know what I want. And I want you. Every day. For the rest of my life." He takes my hand. "Holly Noelle White, will you marry me?"
I can't speak. Can't breathe. Can only stare at him through tears.
"Yes," I finally gasp. "Yes. A thousand times yes."
He slides the ring onto my finger, and it fits perfectly. Of course it does. He's Justin. He plans everything.
Then he's kissing me, and I'm laughing and crying and holding onto him like he might disappear.
"I love you," he says against my mouth. "So much."
"I love you too."
We stand there on the future site of the Aspen park, holding each other, and I think about how far we've come. From a flat tire in a snowstorm to this, a partnership, a future, and a life together.
"When?" I ask. "When do you want to get married?"
"Whenever you want. Tomorrow. Next year. I don't care. As long as it happens."
"What about next Christmas? At the chapel?"
His eyes light up. "Perfect."
"Your family?—"
"Will love you. And if they don't, their idiots."
"My friends and family?—"
"Already love me. I've won them over."
I laugh. "You really have thought of everything."
"Not everything. But I'm getting better at improvising." He kisses me again. "Especially with you."
We spend the rest of the day walking the site, making plans, dreaming about the future. When we finally head home, I'm exhausted but happy.
Me: EMERGENCY BOOK CLUB MEETING. I HAVE NEWS.
Madison: What kind of news???
