“You’re—you’re not upset?”
“No!” A laugh bubbled up as I watched the worry lines on her face ease. “I can’t remember the last time I felt this happy.”
Her mouth fell open a little, and she blinked.
“The woman of my dreams is—is carrying my baby?”
“Jack!” Fresh tears sprang into her eyes, but her lips wobbled into a smile. “Does this mean you want the baby—want us? I was afraid you might not.”
“Not want you?” I shook my head in disbelief. Why would she even think that? A laugh escaped her throat along with a sob as she came to terms with my reaction. “Miranda, there is nothing I want more.”
With those words, she collapsed into my chest, the tears freely flowing. I sunk my fingers into her hair and rubbed her back. My heart raced out of control as a million thoughts flooded my mind. A child with Miranda. It was what I wanted, I just never expected it this soon.
After a few moments, I pushed her back enough to sidle around in front of her. Wanted to look her straight in the eyes. I spread my legs and pulled her between them, wedging her as close as possible.
“Miranda Howard, look at me.” Her teary eyes met my face. “I could never not want you. Being with you makes me the happiest man. Since the first time I met you, I knew you were it for me. Knew I wouldn’t be complete without you. You have nothing to worry about because I’ve been dreaming of a familywith you for a long while now. You’re the only woman I want that with.” Her emotions continued to spill out as I tugged her closer, our foreheads meeting in the space between us.
I whispered softly, “Marry me, Miranda.”
She shook her head vehemently, not registering the velvet box I pulled from my pocket. “No, I don’t want you to rush into marrying me because of the baby.”
“I’m not.” When I flipped open her birthday present, she gasped.
Miranda’s eyes barely connected with the ring before bouncing to the twinkle lights, the petals, the wine. “Wait. You brought me out here to—to propose?” The question was a squeak, eeked out around the emotion in her throat.
I nodded as I lifted her hand to my mouth, gently kissing her knuckles. “Please say you’ll marry me.”
“Oh, Jack!” Her voice swelled with relief and joy. A laugh bubbled out of her as she shrieked, “Yes! Yes!”
Her arms came around my neck and I pulled her into my lap. Her legs wrapped around my waist while I kissed her fiercely. After a few moments, she released me and we fell back onto the blankets together, breathless and overwhelmed.
“You want to see your ring?” I opened the box again.
“Yes!” She wiggled, excitement written in her every movement.
I lifted the box for her to see.
“It’s so beautiful.”
“Let’s see if it fits.” I pulled the tiny ring out and slipped it onto her finger.
“It’s perfect, Jack.”
She scooted closer and threw one arm and one leg over me, snuggling her head onto my chest. I massaged the slender arm across my rib cage as we watched the stars and listened to the gentle lake waves lapping against the shore. We talked for along time, deciding to get married sooner rather than later. Miranda said she just wanted to be with me. To get our home ready for our baby.
When silence settled over us, Miranda looked out at the dark lake, a devious smile unfurling across her lips. “You know what? I could go for a swim right now.”
“Seriously?”
She flashed a daring grin and jumped to standing. She stood at the edge of the dock, pulling her dress off over her head.
I fell in love with her all over again.
The water was cool on our bare skin, tugging us together. We laughed and splashed and acted like two kids. We were giddy—drunk on love and high with excitement. I pulled Miranda against me, our warm bodies colliding under the water.
I whispered into her hair, “I love you so much.”
“I love you too.”
