“It’s the last one,” Zander said.
“Clue number three. It holds fishing rods, sports toys, and snow mobiles too. We head to this place when we want something to do.”
“The shed,” Lilly called, and the group was off again.
“Maybe I should have done one less clue,” Zander said under his breath as they made for the outdoor shed.
“Are you kidding?” Kat said. “This is awesome.”
“Here’s the last one,” Link said, handing over the clue and flinging the necklace over his own neck.
The family was really gathering around her now. She could feel them close by as she opened the final note. The air shifted; Kat could sense it as her parents came into view, arm in arm.
She set her focus back on the page before her and read. “More fun will follow for the boys and our girl…” she shot a wink at Lilly, the only little lady in the bunch. “But now it’s time for Zander to give this a whirl. We all know it’s coming so let’s make this right. Spin around slowly, he’ll be in your sight.”
Kat spun around as directed, tingles and warmth dancing around her heart, and caught sight of Zander. He’d lowered himself to one knee, and was looking up at her with those brooding blue eyes.
It felt as if the balloons were back, a fistful of them ready to carry her away. She pulled in a breath and brought a hand to her heart.
“Kat,” he said. “On St Patricks’ Day, we talk a lot about luck. Which is why I thought this would be the perfect time to do this.
“The last time we were here as a family—it was close to Christmas—I razzed Duke about signing up for some wedding game show. What I didn’t know is that that game show would end up being a stroke of luck. Not for the guy who signed up either, but for the schmuck who stood in his place, thinking that somehow he could resist your charms.”
Ahs and sighs lifted from the small crowd.
“Since then,” Zander continued, “I have fallen deeper in love with you every day. You’re smarter than I am, which I’m man enough to admit, and I love that about you.
“You’re a pillow hoarder at night, but for the sake of cuddling with me, you’ve given a few of them up. I love that about you too. And,” he added under his breath, “I can’t wait to do more than cuddle.”
Kat bit at her lip as it curved into a smile.
Zander gave her hand a squeeze. “You sleep in, you love to eat sweets, and when you experience something unique, like a school of stingray swimming by our bungalow, your face lights up.”
He tucked a hand into his pocket and produced a ring box.
“I don’t want to miss any of those moments. I want to be there with you when you experience Ireland for the first time. When you discover a new formula that has your wheels turning. And the moment you discover that you’re carrying a child.
“Katrina Aponi Morgan Benton…” He paused there, squeezed her hand once more, and cleared his throat. “Will you allow me to be your groom, officially this time, so that we can spend our lives together?”
Forget about the helium-filled bouquet, this was a full-on hot air balloon, lifting her soul clear up into the clouds.
She nodded, her throat too tight with emotions to get out the word. “Yes,” she finally cheered.
Her grin widened as Zander slid the engagement ring he’d picked out onto her ring finger.
“It’s beautiful,” she said. “Thank you.”
“Thank you,” he said, “for making me the happiest guy alive.” He wrapped his arms around her as their families whistled and cheered.
“This is the best St Patrick’s Day ever!” Lilly declared.
Dad set Noah to his feet, and the little guy joined the kids as they galloped circles around them.
“Congratulations, you two,” Duke was the first to say. He patted Zander on the back. “Now I’m going to go drown my lonely sorrows in one of Mom’s specialty drinks.”
“When is Duke going to find his wife?” Link asked, trotting off toward the trees next. “Hey, there’s still more treasure for us to get, guys. Let’s go!”
The little ones followed him, buckets in hand, still trotting as they moved.
