“I can’t tell you the secret ingredient in Claire’s cheesecake recipe.”
“There’s a secret ingredient?”
“That’s why it tastes so good.”
“My question is more important than cheesecake.”
Hannah frowned. “What is it?”
Brett stopped dancing. He was having trouble remembering where his feet were supposed to go. “When I was growing up, I would have given anything to have the kind of family that other kids took for granted. I never thought I’d find someone to share my life with. We only met a few months ago, but you’re that person, Hannah. I love you.”
Her face turned white.
This was bad. Really bad. He thought Hannah would be surprised, but not shocked. She loved him. She’d stayed in Bozeman to spend more time with him. But it didn’t look as though marriage figured into any of her plans. He took a deep breath. If he didn’t finish what he’d started, he might never find the courage again.
“I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy. Will you marry me?” His heart pounded and sweat trickled down his spine. Hannah was staring at him as if he’d lost his mind.
“I need to sit down.” Instead of walking to the nearest chair, she sat on the dance floor.
He knelt beside her. “Are you okay?”
She looked up at him. “I didn’t think you would ask me to marry you.”
“I love you. I want us to spend the rest of our lives together. Is that something you want too?”
Tears filled her eyes. “It is.”
“But you don’t want to marry me?”
“I’ve never thought about marrying anyone. What if I’m not very good at being a wife?”
Brett wrapped his arm around her waist and kissed her forehead. “I don’t know if I’ll make a good husband, either, but I want to try.”
“My parents had a terrible marriage.”
“So did mine. At least we know what not to do.”
A smile lifted the corners of her mouth. “I like your idea of making each other happy.” She reached out and traced the scar above his eye. “And I like the idea of looking after you in sickness and in health.”
“Is there anything you don’t like?”
Her smile widened. “Snoring.”
He kissed her forehead. “I don’t snore.”
“We must be a match made in heaven, then.”
“Or a wish come true.” Brett took a small, black ring box out of his pocket. “I have a ring, but if you don’t want to marry me, I’ll understand.”
“I want to see it, but you have to ask me again. About marrying you.”
If Brett thought he was nervous before, he was terrified now. He knelt on one knee. “I love you, Hannah. Will you marry me?”
Her smile brought tears to his eyes.
“Yes. I’ll marry you.”
“Are you sure?”
