“I’m sure it will be,” I reply. Swinging our linked hands, I give a happy little skip. “A picnic on Mount Hood to celebrate our first date and our one-year anniversary? I can’t think of anything better.”
Webb’s fingers tighten around mine. “I can’t either.”
Once we reach our picnic spot, an oft-hidden vulnerability flickers in his eyes. “I tried to make it special. For our anniversary.”
I glance down at the picnic blanket, beautifully arranged with small arrangements of flowers, a bottle of champagne with two glasses, a box of gourmet chocolates from the candy store in Newberg, plus a charcuterie platter that puts any other I’ve seen to shame.
“I packed sandwiches and salads, too,” Webb explains. “In case we want something more substantial. But I thought this would be a good start.”
“It’s perfect,” I reply. Lunging at him, I hug him hard. “This is the perfect picnic. I love it.”
Webb stares at me, his eyes nearly the same color as the brilliant blue sky above. He swallows hard. “I have one other thing.”
My heart jumps.
Oh, please,it whispers.Let this be what I’ve been hoping for.
And then.
Webb drops to one knee.
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small velvet box.
“Noelle,” he starts. “I—” His voice cracks. “I’ve been wanting to do this for a long time. But I wanted to make sure it was right. The last thing I’d ever want to do is rush you into something?—”
“You’re not rushing me,” I blurt. “Not at all.”
He blinks. “Okay.”
“Sorry.” My cheeks warm. “Keep going.”
Webb flips open the box to reveal a beautiful ring inside. It has a cushion-cut diamond surrounded by smaller yellow stones, and when the sun catches it, tiny rainbows dance across Webb’s shirt and face.
“The yellow ones are diamonds, too,” he explains. “I wanted something unique. Special. And the yellow, it reminds me of the gold in your eyes.”
My legs go wobbly for a second.“Webb.”
“I love you so much, Noelle.” He takes my left hand. “I wish I knew how to say how much. But I can’t come up with the right words. The best way I can explain it is… before you, there was an empty part of me. But I didn’t realize I was missing something. I didn’t realize it until I met you. And you… you filled that empty part.”
Tears fill my eyes. “Webb,” I whisper.
“I finally discovered how it felt to be whole,” Webb continues. “I didn’t know I could be this happy before. I didn’t know I could love someone like this. And Noelle—” He swallows hard again. “I want forever with you.”
My voice wobbles. Tears trickle down my cheeks. “I want forever with you, too.”
Alarm flashes across Webb’s face. “Don’t cry.”
“It’s fine.” I wave at my face. “I’m fine. It’s just… I’m happy.”
“Oh.” His shoulders sag. “Okay. Good.” Then he starts to slide the ring onto my finger.
With a laugh, I ask, “Aren’t you forgetting something?”
“Like what?”
“Like actually asking me?”
“Oh.” Webb’s cheeks flush pink and he gives me a sheepish smile. “I’m a little nervous. In case you couldn’t tell.” He takes a deep breath and lets it out in a rush. “Will you marry me, Noelle Snow? Do me the greatest honor of my life by becoming my wife? Let me take care of you for the rest of our lives?”
