“Come on.”
I take his outstretched hand and we walk the rest of the hike together, stepping over roots and loose rocks until we reach the clearing.
I rock back at the sight of a picnic blanket spread out on the ground, coffee beans scattered like rose petals around it. I taper my gaze at Roman. “Did you do this?” He’d been out when I woke this morning but the idea that he’d hiked up and down once already today is crazy.
“Look.” Roman nods towards the waterfall and I follow his gaze to see fairy lights flicker to life, wound along the fence.
Behind the specks of light, choppy white-water cascades down over moss covered rocks, twisting and turning as it ladders over the natural surface of the rock before gathering in the pool of water just below us.
I get distracted for a moment by the waterfall and make my way to the fence. I brace my hands between the lights as I peer over. It never fails to amaze me how the thundering falls so quickly turns to still water, just the occasional ripple from the spray. The water is crystal blue with just a hint of green like our own personal Emerald Lakes.
Roman slides my backpack off my shoulders and wraps his arms around me from behind.
“It’s so beautiful,” I murmur.
“Not as beautiful as you.”
I laugh softly at the cheesy line but then the heat of Roman’s body fades away, and I turn around to find him down on one knee.
I feel like the waterfall is cascading over me as he takes out a ring.
“Lola Rae Ford, before I met you, I didn’t know what it felt like to have someone look at you and smile. To have them light up for nothing more than your presence.” Roman’s hand trembles a little as he talks and he shoots me a sheepish smile. “I’ve been searching for family my whole life, but I think part of me knew I’d found it the moment I met you. It’s why I stayed here in Pine Rock, it’s why I followed you to parties every timeyou snuck out just to make sure you got home okay, it’s why I waited six years for you to come back to me.
“I don’t want to wait any longer. Lola, will you do me the honor of becoming my family forever. Will you marry me?”
Tears slip from my eyes, and my answer comes out on a sob. “Yes. Yes!”
Roman stands up and I fling my arms around him before he has a chance to put the ring on my finger. When I finally pull back, he slides the ring, with its gorgeous diamond studded silver band, onto my shaking finger.
I’ve known Roman was it for me since I was twelve years old, I just can’t quite believeI’mit forhim.
The ring is cool against my skin as I cradle his face and draw him into a kiss.
“Oh my god, I’m going to be Lola Banks,” I say when we pull apart but Roman shakes his head.
“No. I’m going to be Roman Ford,” he says it with such pride I feel it in my chest.
“You want to take my last name?”
His hands drop to my hips, a single brow raising as he tugs me close. “I’ve wanted to be a part of your family since I was fifteen. So yes, I’m taking your last name.” His voice drops low, his beard rough against my cheek as he murmurs in my ear. “But if you think that makes you any less mine, I’ll be happy to prove you wrong.”
I squeal as he lifts me up, hooking my legs around his waist. My core settles against his hard length and I gasp.
Roman spins us around, walking past the blanket to a wide tree and holding me up against the rough bark.
My pussy pulses and I rock against him.
Roman tsks. “Such a little tease.” He drags the back of his fingers over my nipples. “Does the idea of being my wife turn you on, Firebird.”
“Hell, yes,” I moan, raking my nails along the sensitive skin at the back of his neck.
“Fuck it,” Roman swears, his hands dropping to his pants.
“Here?” I squeak, my eyes darting around the clearing. We may be alone right now, but this is a public trail.
Roman just smirks and flicks the button on my pants open. “You’re my fiancée. I get to fuck you wherever the hell I like.”
“Oh yeah, is that going in your wedding vows?”
