“Ah. This feels good,” he said. “New birthday tradition. We start every year in the sun together.”
“It might not always be easy to leave Snow Quest behind,” I reminded gently. “We were lucky to get away—even for a few days.”
“After a year of snowstorms and a summer expansion with zip-lines and a mountain coaster for year-round fun? I needed this break. And so did you, you newly crowned Michelin-star chef.”
I beamed as our toes hit the water. We’d decided early on not to chase it Michelin status. The lodge, the restaurant, the life we were building together—that was enough. But I cooked everyday with love, and we earned it anyway.
“Guess I deserve a little time off,” I admitted.
“Definitely.” He pulled me closer. “Plus, you look too damn good in a swimsuit. Don’t worry—I packed plenty of aloe vera.”
I shoved his shoulder. “You’re impossible.”
“And yet you agreed to let me whisk you away last minute.” He kissed my temple. “Lucky me.”
“There’s no place I’d rather be than with you.” I squeezed his hand.
The beach was nearly empty, only a handful of people lingering to watch the ocean shift colors beneath a pink-and-purple sky as the sun slipped away.
“I hope you mean that.” Holden wrapped himself around me from behind. His mouth brushed my ear as he whispered all the things he planned for us later in bed. My toes curled into the warm sand.
“Now,” he murmured, “close your eyes. Don’t look until I tell you.”
I felt him step away. There was a rustle behind me—and then a deep, shaky inhale.
“What are you up to, Mr. Snowman?” I teased.
“Okay, Turn around.”
I did. Holden was on one knee in the sand, holding a Tiffany-blue velvet box.
“Oh…” My hands flew to my mouth as my breath left me entirely.
“Lilah,” he began, voice thick, “this past year with you has been everything. The wildest, most beautiful year of my life.”
My throat closed. Tears burned instantly.
“You brought life to my mountain. Magic to the restaurant. And a Michelin star.” His voice cracked. “I dreamed big. Had high hopes. And none of it would’ve happened without you. Now…” He swallowed. “Life feelsalmostcomplete.”
“Almost?” I breathed.
The ocean roared around us as he opened the box. The round cut diamond caught the last of the sunlight, brilliant and breathtaking.
“I love you, Lilah. Marry me. Complete me.” He slid the ring onto my shaking finger. It fit perfectly. “Be mine forever. Be my wife.”
The last ice inside of me that had frozen years ago when my first marriage fell apart finally melted.
“Yes,” I sobbed. “Yes, Holden. A million yeses. I love you too.”
He surged to his feet, spun me around, kissed me breathless.
“I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us, Frosty, but right now, I need to make love to my fiancée.”
He scooped me up and ran toward the villa, both of us laughing, already joking about ruining the luxury bedding—until we nearly collided with Garrett Fogelby, the owner of the exclusive resort.
“Oh! Holden—Ms. Childs,” he exclaimed, clearly distracted. “My apologies.”
“I just proposed,” Holden announced proudly, setting me down but keeping my hand locked in his. “And she said yes.”
