“I got two flat tires not far from town. The cell phone coverage was non-existent, so I walked back to Bozeman. Jake Stanley helped me find another tire, and we changed everything on the side of the road.”
“Do you want a hot drink?”Ashley asked. “I could make you a coffee or a lemon and honey drink.”
Sean glanced at Matthew. “Thanks for the offer, but I saw Nathan on my way home. He invited me to dinner at his place. Amy will have it ready by now.”
Ashley frowned.
Matthew moved toward his brother. “Did you find what you were looking for in town?”
“I did.” Sean looked at Ashley. “I’ll just borrow my brother for a minute.” He grabbed hold of Matthew’s arm and pulled him into the hallway. “I’m sorry it took so long. A builder must have dropped a bucket of nails on the highway. They shredded my tires to a pulp.”
Matthew looked over his shoulder. “Have you got the ring?”
Sean fumbled inside his pockets. “Darn fingers are still frozen. Here it is. I hope I’m not too late?”
“You’re just in time.” Matthew opened the box and sighed. The solitaire diamond sparkled under the pendant light.
“If Ashley turns you down, I know at least two other women who would marry you based on the size of that diamond.”
“I don’t want anyone else.”
Sean searched Matthew’s face. “I know. Now go and do what you’ve been planning for the last month. Otherwise, Ashley will think you’ve deserted her.”
He slipped the box into his pocket and gave Sean a hug. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me too soon. Ashley hasn’t said yes, yet.”
Matthew watched his brother leave. He had the ring, now all he had to do was ask Ashley to marry him.
***
With a pounding heart, Matthew walked into the living room.
Ashley was sitting on the sofa, flicking through a magazine. She looked up and smiled. “I’m glad Sean got home safely.”
“So am I.” He sat beside her and thought about what he wanted to say.
She left the magazine on the table and held his hand. “You’ve got something on your mind.”
“You’re what’s on my mind, Ashley. I can’t stop thinking about you. About us. It seems like half a lifetime ago that we first met, but even then, I knew you were special.”
She started to say something, then quickly grabbed a handful of tissues and sneezed. “Sorry. You’re telling me you love me and I’m spreading germs everywhere.”
“Don’t worry. After being around Catherine and Toby’s bugs, I’m immune to most things.” He handed her the box of tissues. “I just hope you feel better soon.”
“So do I.” She blew her nose and sighed. “I love you, too.”
“I was hoping you’d say that.” He cleared his throat and got down on one knee.
Ashley’s eyes filled with tears, although it could have been the beginning of another sneeze.
Before she did sneeze, Matthew reached into his pocket and pulled out the box Sean had given him. “I love you, Ashley, and I’d like to spend the rest of my life with you. I can’t imagine having a family or growing old with anyone else. You make my life complete, and I hope you feel the same way.” He took a deep breath and opened the box. “Ashley Fisher, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Tears fell down Ashley’s face. “I love you, too. It took me a long time to realize that my life isn’t the same if you’re not beside me.”
Matthew’s heart pounded. He felt like he’d run two marathons and was waiting for the next one to start.
Ashley wrapped her hands around his. “I couldn’t think of anything more amazing than marrying you.”
