Loch turns to me, grinning, suddenly on board for this ridiculousness. “You’re gonna pee, aren’t you?”
“No, I’m not.”
Yes, I am. I dash into the woods, crunching over snow, cursing my winter layers and making a thousand deals with God and my bladder until I can drop trou.
“It’s our little secret, Allen!” Loch shouts over my splatter. “Does this mean you’re officially mine?”
“I’m making yellow snow for you, so yes! Youhaveto love me!”
His laughter booms through the frozen forest, mixing with the tinkling sound of ice. He’s still laughing after I clean my fingers with snow before shoving them back into my gloves.
“Come on.” He reaches for my hand to warm it. “Let’s go see the frozen falls. That’llreallymake you piss yourself.”
“Loch!” I fuss.
“Oh, come on, Babygirl.” He leads us down the snowy steps. “You know I love you and your hamster bladder.”
“Whatever, Waring. You better check the sheets for snakes tonight,” I joke, but we’re suddenly silenced by the sight of the falls, its usual roar captured, frozen in columns of ice. The river, stilled and covered in white. The rocks, dripping with mammoth icicles. The trees, draped in crystals. It’s a horizon of diamonds, sparkling in the sun.
I stare, marveling, always stunned silent by nature. As is Loch.
“God.” I sigh. “It’s so beautiful.”
“She sure is.”
I turn to find Loch on his knee beside me, red rose petals, he must’ve hidden in his jacket pocket, tossed on the snow beneath us. In his massive fingertips, a gleaming ring. Its gem, capturing the winter light, green and brilliant, making me blink back sudden tears.
Because they’re in his aqua eyes too.
“I’m tethered to you, Alena Allen. You have my body, heart, soul, and love.” His gloveless hand shakes, not cold, only reverent with his question. “Will you please marry me, so I can give you forever too?”
My tears spill, threatening to freeze on my cheeks. “I… I…”
I never thought this would happen to me.
I’d lie on the beach, dreaming of this. That a man, as beautiful as Loch, would see me. Want me. Love me.
He’s holding a vow and my heart in his hand, his smile beaming with his gentle command.
“Take off your glove, Babygirl, and say yes, so I can put my ring on your finger.”
“Yes,” I whisper.
Thank you, Fate.
Mom, you’d really love him.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
ALENA
The April night is cool,but I’m glowing, admiring how my green sundress matches the breathtaking ring on my finger.
Loch said it’s a demantoid garnet, a rare green Russian stone. I never knew they existed, but it’s his family’s heirloom, so I try to keep my fingernails clean now, honored to wear it. I watch it sparkle with my palm caressing his marble pec.
“You won’t stop looking at your ring.” My handsome fiancé gazes down at me, his grin too sexy.
“Or the gorgeous man who put it on my finger.” I’ve never seen Loch look so delicious.
