They each get a scoop and continue their walk, looking at all the shops. Coronado might not be far, but it seems like a different world from where they live, making them feel like they’re on vacation.
Two blocks down, the ice cream has been devoured, and Braden pauses outside a bookstore. “Hey, they’re open for another five minutes. Let’s pop in and look for a book,” he suggests while casually sending a text.
“Okay,” Poppy happily responds, always up for perusing a bookstore, since it’s one of her favorite things to do. They’ve made a tradition of buying two copies of whatever book they choose and reading side by side every night. Braden’s favorite part is acting out the spicy scenes, and Poppy secretly agrees.
He pulls her toward the back of the empty store. “I’m in the mood for a romantasy. What do you think?”
“Sure. You know me, I’m up for anything.”
Braden looks at her with raised brows, prompting her to roll her eyes.
Poppy laughs. “You know what I mean.”
They never brought anyone else into bed with them again and decided they were happy that way. They don’t regret their one-time threesome but don’t have any desire to do it again.
While Poppy’s busy browsing, Braden nudges her toward a display next to the shelf. “Hey, isn’t that the fourth book in our series?” Meaning the one they began that first fateful day, three thousand miles in the air.
“Oh my God, it is. I didn’t even know it was out yet.” Poppy snatchesLast Queen Standingfrom the table and flips it over to look. Meanwhile, Braden picks up the other.
“Should we buy these? It looks like they only have two copies,” he says.
“But she’ll be sending them to us. Shouldn’t we wait for hers?” she asks, referring to the author who didn’t forget the couple who used her books to reconcile their relationship.
“Nah. Then we’d have to wait to read it, and I’m too anxious to hear how the story ends.”
She shrugs. “Okay, we can always pass them on when we’re finished.”
“Let’s look at what her dedication says. Maybe she mentioned us,” Braden suggests teasingly.
“Yeah, right, I don’t think we’re that important.” Poppy scoffs but opens it anyway.
As soon as she reaches the page, her head pops up in shock, and tears begin to form.
“Read it,” Braden tells her.
Poppy can barely see the words; her eyes are so watery. However, she does notice Braden lower to his knee beside her while reaching into his pocket. Her heart starts thumping.
“Read it out loud,” he instructs softly, returning her focus to the book. He’s excited for this part after working directly with the authorto have two books specially printed with his personal inscription inside and then getting the bookstore to set them out prior to arriving.
“Oh my God. Okay.You stand before me as the love of my life, but will you stand beside me as my queen? Forever yours, Braden.” Her tears are falling freely now as she sniffles and wipes her eyes.
She starts to ask, “Did you—”
“Marry me, Poppy. Make me feel like a king by saying yes to becoming my queen.”
She lowers to her knees as she utters the word “yes” repeatedly, completely ignoring the ring he’s holding. Their kiss is passionate, full of love and promises.
Braden is the first to pull back. “Hey, are you ready for your ring now?”
Poppy laughs, happiness radiating from every cell in her body. “Yes.” She looks down at his hand and gasps. “Holy shit, Braden, it’s huge.”
“Well, you’re used to big things. I had to make sure it was up to par.” He wags his brows.
She shoves his shoulder. “Stop it.”
“Give me your hand. Let’s make this official.”
Seconds later, the ring is in place as they rise from the floor.
