“What’s she—”
“Surprise.”
Paris didn’t know whether it was the softly spoken word or the hands that settled on her waist that made her jump. But she did, right into the jaw of the man standing behind her.
Richard’s groan filled the yard. Willow stopped singing, and Andrea rushed toward them.
“Oh, my goodness,” Andrea said. “I think Richard’s nose is bleeding.”
Paris held up her phone and shone the flashlight into his face.
Richard’s eyes clamped shut. “I’m okay.” Carefully, he touched his nose.
“It isn’t bleeding.” Paris put her phone away before something else happened. “Why did you sneak up on me? You nearly gave me a heart attack.”
“I wanted to surprise you.”
“Me?”
Richard nodded.
Andrea’s eyes widened. She looked around the backyard and cleared her throat. “I’ll go and see Willow while you talk.”
Paris watched her friend walk across the yard. None of this was making sense. “This is beautiful, but I don’t understand why you did it. My birthday is still months away.”
“It isn’t for your birthday.” Richard wiped tears from his eyes. “You have a hard head.”
“Do you want some Tylenol? I’ve got some in my bag.”
“I’ll get one later. Come and have a look at the lights.” Richard held her hand and led her toward the apple tree.
“This must have taken a long time to do. How did you string so many lights in the branches?”
“We had a high ladder. John and Ethan helped me.”
Paris looked around the backyard. “Are they still here?”
“Not here, precisely.”
Willow started singing again.
“Why is Willow here?” she whispered.
“Because I asked her to sing for us.”
That made absolutely no sense, unless Richard was expecting more people to arrive. When she realized what was happening, she was much happier. “Having a party is a wonderful idea. Jack will love what you’ve done. Is he inside?”
“He’s with mom.” Richard cleared his throat. With both hands holding hers, he looked into her eyes. “I decorated the backyard because I want you to remember this night for the rest of your life. You mean the world to me, Paris. I didn’t realize how amazing you are until we worked together on The Flower Cottage. On the days I didn’t see you, I missed you. You accept me as I am. You’re kind and patient, and one of the nicest people I’ve ever met.”
Paris’ heart pounded. Richard couldn’t be doing what she thought he was. When he kneeled on one knee, all her worst nightmares flared to life.
“I can’t,” she whispered.
Even from the glow of the fairy lights, she saw his skin turn white. “What do you mean?”
“I can’t marry you.”
He rose to his feet and held her hands more firmly. “You don’t love me?”
