Large double glass doors in front sat open, welcoming a stream of sunlight into the white interior. On the blonde wood floorboards, a huge easel was waiting next to a wood-topped bench covered in art supplies. Everything light and bright and beautifully crafted. On the back wall, in a set, hung her grandfather’s paintings. Three landscapes of the Ashley River, each with a tiny dark-haired girl playing in the distance.
“How did you—?” Jess shook her head in disbelief, staring at the studio. A week ago, there was nothing here but grass. Nate had learnt some skills, but this?
“Just something I whipped up.”
He slipped in behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, sending a thrill through her body which, even after a year, hadn’t faded.
He placed his chin on her shoulder. “Happy Anniversary.”
His breath warmed her neck, and she leaned in so her head rested against his. She couldn’t believe her luck with this man. The studio was such a moving, loving gesture her heart found it hard to accept it was really for her. That someone would do something so kind just because they cared about her happiness.
A tear slipped down her cheek. More than one man had left her crying, but never for such a beautiful reason.
“Seriously, Nate. How is this here?”
“I’ve been working on it every evening, and all of today.”
“You must have spent hours. You didn’t even eat today, did you?”
“Huh, forgot about that,” he laughed. “Guess I should eat something now.” He nibbled on her neck, sending another electric thrill through her.
Laughing, she turned in his arms and pressed her stomach to his, still baffled by his surprise. “You did this all by yourself?”
“I may have had some help with this one,” he said, giving her a cheeky smile. “I didn’t want your art studio to collapse around you. Not sure my skills are quite building code standard yet.”
“You found grandad’s pictures? And the double doors and the floor…it’s all so perfect.”
“I remember you talking about it, back when we were filming, and…I don’t know. Just made a mental note, I guess.”
He pointed to a platform in the corner of the studio. “Did you see Jimble’s cat tower?”
“He’s going to love that. It’s amazing. I can’t believe it.” Jess leaned in and kissed him. “Is London full of men like you?”
Nate smooshed his nose playfully against hers, then kissed her lightly.
“I’m going to say no.” He kissed her again, small and sweet. “In case you decide to trade me in.”
“Well…if I can get art studios out of it, maybe I could get a bigger one and—”
He playfully dipped her and a big, full-volume laugh bubbled up alongside an overwhelming sense of being exactly where she needed to be.
Whenever she was around Nate, he found ways to make her laugh. Her whole life she’d spent trying to have fun, looking for it in all the wrong places. If only she’d known. This simple, quietlifestyle made her happiest. Maybe she would have abandoned her party days years earlier, but then she probably wouldn’t have agreed to do the show.
And she wouldn’t have found Nate.
He kissed her deeply and she tasted sugary tea on his lips, letting her mind slip into a happy delirium. Still kissing, they crumbled together onto the grass, her lips tingling, her heart full.
Tucking his arm around her, Nate cupped her face and stroked her cheek with his thumb.
“I love you, Jess, and I want this to be your home, too.”
He loved her. Had given her this huge gift. Wanted her to move into the cottage they both adored. He wanted more of her than anyone had ever asked for, but none of it made her want to run away.
“Jess Williams, will you marry me?”
The soft grass turned to quicksand beneath her, her body and mind tumbling into the unknown. But this time, it didn’t scare her. She knew Nate would be there to catch her. He always was. His love wasn’t for show. It was tangible. Solid. A boulder in the river. A studio in the backyard.
“Nate,” she whispered, her lips close to his. Close enough to brush them lightly against his as she spoke. “I love you, too.” She kissed him gently, loving the sun on her skin and the safety of his arms around her.
