“Come here,” he said, motioning her to join him at the center of thegroup.
“Go on,” Marissa urged with anudge.
Kira broke away from the spectators and walked along the small, pebbled trail leading to Anthony. Green grass swayed at either side as a breeze blew in. A breeze that lent her a dose of anticipation. She tried to dissect the odd situation, feeling as if she were missing something. But it wasn’t until Anthony lowered himself onto one knee that she realized what that something mightbe.
He palmed the small egg before prying it back, the open face in herdirection.
Kira’s heartbeat kicked up, thumping like a rabbit’s as she peeked inside. There, tucked in a black velvet fold, shone a gorgeous diamond ring. Several audible gasps broke out over the crowd, but none were as loud as Kira’s. “Anthony?” His name practically fell off herlips.
His brown eyes were set on her, that warm smile of his causing the bunny thumps to drop to her tummy. He glanced toward the pond, where the cattails bounced and swayed beside the glisteningwater.
“When I was a little boy, a girl from out of town came and dragged me to this very pond. She was a lot of fun, a little mischievous, and one of the cutest girls I’d ever seen. And now that she’s grown …” He cleared his throat as moisture welled up in his eyes. “I can say that she’s brilliant and fascinating, and of course, the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. And if she’ll let me, I’d love to spend the rest of my life withher.”
Kira’s chest swelled, her body barely able to contain the bliss that pulsed throughher.
“My Kira Kira, will you marryme?”
It was in that moment that Kira realized everyone had stepped in closer. A few whispers sounded among thekids.
“What’s she gonnasay?”
“I hope she saysyes.”
Kira grinned. “Yes! OfcourseI’ll marry you!” She barely gave Anthony a chance to stand before she pulled him in for akiss.
Whistles, claps, and cheers rose in celebration as they spun inplace.
“Put the ring on her,” Sethhollered.
Anthony nodded. “Oh, yeah.” All eyes moved back to the egg-shaped case as Anthony pinned the shimmering ring between his finger and thumb. He closed the case before sliding the ring onto her finger with a jittery hand. Turned out she wasn’t the only one shaking. More cheers sounded as Kira held up herhand.
“Right here,” Maria hollered, camera aimed and ready. Which explained why she’d asked for the camera when she had. Kira was grateful Anthony’s sweet mom was there to not only witness the special moment, but to capture it,too.
Anthony nuzzled into her, running the tip of his nose along her cheek. “I can’t wait for you to be my wife,” hecrooned.
“I mean, I can’t wait either!” And as she caught sight of the cattails swaying in the distance, Kira had the distinct impression that—though Gramps couldn’t be there to celebrate with them—he’d helped send Maria to take his place. What an unexpected gift it was. Mysterious ways indeed, but Kira wouldn’t change it for theworld.
