He chuckled. “I love that you aren’t afraid to speak your mind, give an opinion, or tell me I’m wrong even when I’m right. I love how staring into your eyes makes me forget everything, including my own name. I love you, Kelsey. More than I ever thought possible. Enough?”
“For now.” She blinked back tears. “Oh, Will. I love you, too.”
“Why?” He grinned. “You made me spell it out. Fair is fair.”
She laughed. “Let’s see…I love how you hand-feed Midas his food when you think no one is looking. I love your optimism, your idealism, and your kisses. I love your dedication and loyalty to your family and how it’s made me want to have a family of my own. Something I thought I never wanted, but deep down, truly did. My whole life, I felt like something was missing, and I found it when I met you. Enough?”
“For now.” He kissed each of her fingertips, and tingles shot up her arm. “Say you’ll give me a chance. I’ll do whatever it takes. Even if you never want to get married, I don’t care as long as we can be together forever.”
Kelsey’s heart swelled with joy. “I like the sound of forever.”
“Me, too.”
“You might not want to get used to having a bare ring finger.”
“Excuse me?”
“Well, your family has a pretty good record when it comes to marriage, so that might make up for my parents. And since your parents can’t adopt me, this is probably my only chance to become a member of your family. Kelsey Armstrong Waters Addison has a nice ring to it. I’m sure I could think of other reasons if you give me a few minutes.”
He laughed. “I thought you were only taking baby steps right now.”
She shrugged. “I feel lucky. I did catch the bouquet at my cousin Christina’s wedding, so I’m the next to wed. And since you happen to be a firm believer in tradition…”
“Does this mean you’d…would you…?” He brushed his hand through his hair. “Who am I kidding? We’ve never even been on a date.”
“True, but we’ve planned a wedding together. That has to count for at least three to six months of dating.”
“I’d say a year.”
“I’ve never dated anyone for a year, so I’ll have to take your word for it.” She grinned. “So…?”
“This is insane.”
“I’m new at this sort of thing, but isn’t love normally insane?”
“In this case, yes.” He raised her right hand and kissed the top of it. “Kelsey Armstrong Waters, would you marry me?”
She stared at him. “I only plan for this to happen once, and I want everything to be perfect. Well, as perfect as we can get it. Do you think you could get down on one knee and try again?”
He smiled. “Anything else?”
“I don’t suppose you have a carriage pulled by white horses outside and a dozen red roses? Or a slice of lemon cake handy?”
“Sorry. We can wait.”
“No, we can’t.” She sat on the edge of the bed, her legs hanging over the side. Midas simply scooted back up beside her. “I’m ready now.”
Will kneeled and took her hand in his. “Marry me, Kelsey. Be my wife and let me be your husband.”
The words were music to her ears, candy to her mouth. She let them sink in. Closing her eyes, she sighed.
“Kelsey? Are you okay?”
“I’m savoring the moment.”
“Don’t forget about the guy on his knee waiting for an answer.”
She opened her eyes. “I’m done savoring.”
