"That sounds about right."
He opens the box.
The ring is perfect. A timeless emerald-cut diamond set in a delicate golden band. My hands fly to my mouth, and for the first time since meeting Gideon, I’m completely speechless.
"I knew that first day," he says, his voice steady. "I didn't know how I’d make it happen… or how fast we’d fall in love, but I knew you were the woman of my dreams.”
My throat tightens and happy tears prick at the backs of my eyelids.
"You're not a possession, Rhea." His eyes hold mine. "You're my partner. In work. In life. In whatever comes next."
My heart is so loud I'm surprised the whole market can't hear it.
"Was there a question in there?” I tease, my voice barely above a whisper.
He tilts his head. "Rhea Martinson, will you marry me?"
There it is. Simple. Direct. No theatrics. Just Gideon.
"Yes," I say. “Of course, obviously, without a doubt… yes.”
His shoulders drop in a way I've never seen before, something deep and immovable in him finally, quietly settling.
He slides the ring onto my finger.
It fits perfectly. Of course it does. My mountain man detective never misses a detail.
And right there between the pickles and the heirloom tomatoes, Gideon kisses me, slow and thorough, like we’re the only two people who exist in the whole world. The farmer’s market crowd cheers, but I barely hear the applause. I just kiss my mountain man detective with everything I’ve got.
When he pulls back, his forehead rests against mine.
"You're mine," he says quietly.
"And you're mine," I reply.
His face stretches into a grin. "Good. Because I plan to keep you."
