The last twelve months have been quite the roller-coaster. After Braden won her back, they continued their long-distance relationship for six months while taking turns visiting each other. Soon, Poppy found herself wanting to be in San Diego, instead of the other way around so she could see her friends there.
Though she loved having Grayson home and will always be closewith Matt, the minute those two became buddies, she often felt like the third wheel. Talk about wingmen—they must have gone through every woman in Bozeman by now.
So, when Braden suggested they take the next step and move in together, there was no question where Poppy’s heart was and where she wanted to be. It’s been six months of true bliss, and the only thing that would complete the picture is a ring on her finger. Well, and a bun in the oven. But first things first.
Braden stops dead in his tracks when she turns the corner. On nights out like this, he still pauses to appreciate her in all her glory. She’s always beautiful in his eyes of course, but when she does herself up, she’s a sight to behold.
The long, fitted dress accentuates her curves in all the right places, and her gorgeous red locks pinned up on one side allows for the perfect view of her delicious neck he loves to devour.
“You look incredible, Mouse. I swear, I’m the luckiest guy alive.”
“You’re not too shabby yourself,Suits.” She still likes to tease him with the nickname she gave him when spotting him for the first time, whilehesecretly thinks those characters don’t do him justice. She would agree.
They’re dressed to the nines for their one-year celebration, although Braden has kept the evening a secret. After helping her into a light jacket, Braden grabs their overnight bag and leads her outside to the car waiting at the curb.
Once they’re settled, Poppy can’t help but ask, “So, where are we headed?”
“Nice try, Mouse. You’ll see soon enough. But we should make use of the time on the way,” he says cheekily as he squeezes her exposed thigh from the slit at her leg.
“Don’t you dare. I’m not messing up this dress. I’m sure we’ll have plenty of that later.”
Poppy knows there will be, because that’s the part she has her own special surprise for, and another reason he’ll have to wait.
“You’re denying me? Since when does that happen?” he asks incredulously.
“Since you won’t tell me where we’re going. Fair is fair.”
“How does one have to do with the other?”
“So how is your new case going?” She ignores the question, changing the subject instead.
She’s well acquainted with Braden’s tactics, and it wouldn’t surprise her if he were able to persuade her to do something on the way. She’s also aware that it wouldn’t take much to convince her. Better to play it safe.
“We’ve almost nailed down where the money’s been siphoned, so we can retrieve her share of the assets. Hopefully, she’ll end up with more now that we have proof of his indiscretions.”
She shakes her head. “I can’t believe the amount of cheating and money laundering that goes on with that level of wealth. It’s crazy to me.”
Braden shrugs. “It’s not just the rich—it’s everyone. People in all walks of life are dirtbags, but the wealthy are the ones who can afford to prove it, so that’s what we hear about.”
She nods her head, silently contemplating. She’s proud of Braden and his high morals regarding whom he takes on as a client. It’s something she’s always admired about him. It’s no wonder he’s taking so long to propose, seeing broken marriages and unfaithful spouses day in and day out.
Braden understands more than anyone how marriage can end badly, but witnessing his friends find their wives and how happy they are has helped him realize it’s possible. He wants that with Poppy—has for a while now—but he was waiting for the ideal moment. After months of planning, Braden’s excited to unveil a special proposal for Poppy tonight.
When the car pulls up to the Hotel del Coronado, Poppy turns to Braden, beaming. “Oh my gosh, this was such a good idea. I can’t believe I didn’t think of it myself.”
“This is where it all began, so it seemed fitting that we celebrate our one-year anniversary here.”
Could he be any more perfect?She muses, thinking how lucky she is.
After checking in and sending the bags to the room, they leisurely stroll to the restaurant hand in hand. Poppy can’t help the butterflies in her stomach in anticipation of what might be coming.
Although the evening is romantic and the meal is terrific, her excitement vanishes by the time Braden pays the check, and her hope has deflated. She tries not to let it show, but Braden can tell she’s disappointed and smiles to himself.
He stands and reaches for her hand. “Hey, since it’s such a beautiful night, and I have a gorgeous woman on my arm, what do you think about walking down Orange Avenue and grabbing some ice cream before we turn in?”
“Ooh, I like that idea. Let’s do it.” She smiles, her missed proposal all but forgotten.
He can always win her over with ice cream, which will distract her until the next part of the evening.
