“I’ll have the time to go fishing,” she said happily.
Sean picked up a box he’d left under the table. “We should celebrate your success with lunch in town. But, before we leave, can you look at these kitchen samples? The architect needs to know which counter I want, but I don’t have any idea.”
“I’m not sure I’m the best person to ask,” Becky said quickly. “I still have the same green counter that was in my house when I bought it.”
“I’d appreciate any advice you could give me.”
Becky sighed. “You know this is my secret fantasy, don’t you?”
Sean placed his hands over Mary’s ears. “If this is going to be an X-rated conversation, we should be careful. Mary listens to everythingreallycarefully.”
“I heard you,” she giggled.
“It’s not X-rated. I’ve always wanted to build a house and choose all the colors and materials. I’m addicted to any home renovation show on television.”
“I’ve noticed.”
From his smile, it didn’t look as though Sean minded watching all the fixer-upper programs she chose. “Okay. If you want my help, that’s fine. But don’t be surprised if I spend way too much time at your new house. It will feel like my own home if I choose the kitchen counter.”
“That’s what I’m hoping.”
Becky frowned. What did he mean?
Sean took the lid off the box and handed her a piece of gorgeous stone. “This is what my architect suggested. What do you think?”
“I love it. The milky-white color is soft and elegant. You could put any color on the cupboards and it would look amazing.”
Sean cleared his throat. “I like brass handles, what do you think about this shape?”
Becky took the next box and opened the lid. Instead of a brass handle, it contained another box. A much smaller black box that looked remarkably like it might contain a ring.
Then he lowered himself to one knee.
When she saw the tenderness and longing in his eyes, her heart pounded.
“I love you, Becky. I’ve loved you almost since the first day I met you. You’re clever and kind, and you make me happy. When I met Mary, I knew we could be a family and find our own happy ever after. Will you marry me?”
Becky eyes filled with tears. “I don’t know what to say. I love you, too. But I didn’t expect you to…I didn’t expect anyone to ever ask me to marry them,” she admitted softly.
Sean stood and pulled her into his warm embrace. “You’re the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. I’m just thankful no one else found you and Mary before I did.”
He let go of her and opened the little black box. “I saw this ring a few days after Edith went home. I thought it must be a good omen.”
Becky grinned. Although Edith’s health had deteriorated, she’d rediscovered a sense of humor that was getting her through the tough times. She spoke to Mary often, eager to fill her days with tales of her granddaughter’s life.
Mary looked over Becky’s shoulder at the beautiful solitaire diamond ring. “Grandma said you should marry Sean. She said he’s good for you.”
“She did?”
“Yep. I asked her about me, too. She said you and Sean should adopt me. Just like Snowflake and Daisy.”
Sean took some papers out of the box holding his kitchen samples. “These are the documents my lawyer drew up. He said it will be easier to adopt Mary once we’re married. So, I thought we could get married in six weeks.”
“Six?” Becky’s mouth dropped open.
“We’ve done it before.”
“But that was for Matthew and Ashley’s wedding.”
