“Only for you, and what kind of surprise did you have in mind?”
He squirms out of my arms like a puppy and lunges for his bag. “Okay, so…promise me you’re not gonna cry or anything or complain that I spent too much money, because you’re worth it and you’ll love it.”
“Okay…” Diamond raises an expectant eyebrow. “I promise. I guess?”
He pulls a package from his bag, and his excitement wanes a little as he holds it.
“I’ve been thinking about this ever since you set up that mini disc changer stereo straight from the 90s.”
“It was my grandfather’s. I can’t part with it.”
“I know, and I wouldn’t expect you to, but I thought it would be nice if you used it. With these.”
He passes me the package still in the shipping wrapping, and inside are two CDs. ABBA’s greatest hits and theMamma Mia!soundtrack. One has signatures on it which must be the muscian’s, and I exhale a shaky breath.
“You said you wouldn’t cry,” Diamond whispers. “Do you like it? I know you can use a streaming app and play these songs anytime, anywhere, but you said your grandpa always played ABBA at the restaurant. Since the disc player was his…I thought…I guess I thought it just felt right.”
“I love it. It’s perfect, Dee. Thank you.” Setting the discs down carefully, I fold him in my arms. “It’s the most thoughtful thing anyone has done for me.”
“You’ll dance with me later, though, right? Sing those songs and make me swoon,” he says with a laugh.
Placing a kiss on his neck, I whisper against his skin. “I think I have something else to make you swoon, but let me check on supper first.”
“Really?” He playfully cups my crotch. “Is it in here?” He chases after my lips, but I hold him away.
“Later. I have a surprise for you.” From my pocket, I pull out the blindfold and let it dangle from my fingers.
“Damn…are we doing something sexy? Fuck, I’m in.”
Laughing, I turn him around and place the blindfold over his eyes. “We can do something sexy with it later. This is to get you into the yard without spoiling it.” Bending, I grab his boots and mine and lead him to the patio door. After guiding his feet into his boots, I slip mine on and open the door to the patio.
Dusk has turned to darkness, and I’m relieved to see the lights shining in the trees. Thank god all that work wasn’t for nothing. I can see why he likes them. It’s all very pretty and maybe a little ethereal.
After leading Diamond across the patio, I stop him at the edge of the orchard where I think the lights look best and take a deep breath.
“Ready?” I ask.
“Yes!”
After positioning him to face the best way, I remove the blindfold. Diamond’s hands fly to his mouth as he gasps. “Oh my god, Rhett. It’s so beautiful. You…” He turns to me. “You remembered?”
“I listened to your videos too many times to count. There was something in your voice that just called to me when you went on about pretty trees and how pretty lights would be so nice to see from the kitchen window.”
Diamond gazes at the trees with an expression that can only be joy. Pure joy.
“Wow. I love it. It’s exactly how I pictured it. I can’t wait to be out here in the summer for this.”
“Me too. It’s like the stars came down closer so we could touch them. I think when we get married, we could do it at dusk, so the lights are just starting. It would be so pretty.”
Both of us freeze.
I didn’t plan to propose. The words just came out with complete sincerity.
“You’ve been thinking about our wedding?” Diamond breathes.
Nodding slowly, I admit it. “I have.”
“And are you…asking me?”
