Daisy adjusted the strap of her blueberry-colored dress as the CEO of FreeWater, Mr. Robert Combs, escorted her to the table at the front of the room. “We’re so glad to have you here, Miss Covington.”
“The pleasure is all mine.” Daisy took her seat at the long banquet table set up next to the microphone, and Vivian sat beside her. Her friend radiated all things wonderful in her wine-colored gown. She waved to Quinton and Jason at a round table covered in a black tablecloth. They looked adorable in their matching tuxedos.
They ate dinner, making small talk and being charmed by the wealthy donors who made their way over to the table to make her acquaintance.
In the back of her head was the constant worry that Beckett had been kidnapped by terrorists who would demand a ransom—or worse. She’d spent too much time watching ransom videos made by guerilla groups in South America. Finally, when she thought she’d go mad, she called Kelly, who confirmed he was alive and well. She explained about the lack of cell service in the area. While Daisy was relieved that he was alive, she mourned the loss of what they could have had. Not just in phone conversations, but in a life together, because this level of stress every day for the rest of her life would kill her.
Just as the wait staff finished serving dessert, Mr. Combs went to the mic. The lights dimmed and a slideshow began. There were women carrying two children and leather pouches dark with liquid. Children carrying a single cup, concentrating on not spilling as the road stretched out for miles in front of them.
“We’re here tonight to honor those who have donated to FreeWater and improved life for hundreds of people across the globe. We have chapters in Africa, South America, and the Ukraine that are all thriving because of your donations.”
Polite applause followed his statement.
“And tonight, we have a special award for Miss Covington, who so graciously tossed FreeWater into the spotlight.EveryDayGlam!is responsible for quadrupling our budget and allowing us to expand into new areas.”
More applause. Daisy kept her eyes focused on the Mr. Combs. She didn’t feel like she’d done anything extra special, and the fact that her channel had grown because of this project left her feeling unworthy of such praise.
“I’m not here to actually present the award. The man who is has dug more wells for FreeWater in the last ten years than all our other field consultants combined.” Mr. Combs scratched his head. “Maybe we should figure out an award for him next year.” He talked right over the chuckles. “I’ll leave that up to the committee to decide. In the meantime, I present the makeover man himself, Beckett Kingsley.”
Daisy’s traitorous heart pounded as if it had been sleeping since Beckett left and just woke up. She pressed her hands against her ribs to try and hold it in. This must have been in the works before she arrived in California. Her eyes misted over. She made eye contact with Kelly, who was sitting at the table just below them. Kelly blew her a kiss and smiled wide.
Beckett approached the mic. He looked leading-man fantastic in his black tuxedo and bow tie. His hair was just cut and his beard shaped to perfection. Her fingers tickled with the need to feel it against her hand.
Beckett didn’t meet her gaze before he took the mic and shook hands with Mr. Combs. Instead of turning to her, he faced the crowd. “Ladies and gentlemen, I’m thrilled to be here tonight to present this award to Daisy Covington. If you’ll indulge me for a moment, I’d like to give her something else first.” He held something up, and the audience oohed and ahhed. Daisy couldn’t see what he showed them because the podium was in the way.
He turned to her, holding one hand behind his back. Their eyes met and her cheeks flushed with the heat in his gaze.
“Daisy, someone once told me that beauty always fades. They couldn’t be more wrong. The type of beauty you possess comes from the way you care for and give to others. You tell women to find their inner beauty, and I’ve watched you help them do that. You’ve given an abused woman a new chance at love.”
Vivian squeezed Daisy’s hand quickly.
“And given another a new way to see herself.”
Kelly waved shyly from the table on the front row.
“And showed countless others how to take the high road, even in difficult of situations, through your example.”
“Hear, hear!” cheered Mom.
“Daisy, I know we’ve officially been a couple for a short time. But I’ve known you my whole life and you’ve known me, and I know we fit.” He stepped to her side and knelt on one knee. Slowly, he opened his hand to reveal a diamond ring.
Daisy closed her eyes. She’d been in a whole different place mentally than Beckett for the past month. While she’d been contemplating breaking things off, he’d been planning a proposal. “Beckett?” She had concerns and couldn’t take his ring until they were resolved.
Beckett’s hands closed over the top of hers—his touch feeling right and calming the waves in her stomach. “I have options and I’d like to discuss them, but …” He tipped his head to the crowd. “Do you trust me?”
Daisy rubbed her over-glossed lips together. When it came right down to it, she trusted him. She had for as long as she could remember. “Yes.”
“To which question?” Beckett whispered.
“Both.”
He was on his feet and she was in his arms in a flash. The crowd cheered, but Daisy wasn’t thinking about them. She framed Beckett’s face with her hands, loving the softness of his beard and the soap and mint smell of him.
“I love you, Daisy. I want you to be my wife.”
“I love you, too.” She kissed him once. “I want you to be my husband.”
He set her on her feet and kissed her for thirty-two seconds. Daisy knew exactly how long because over a hundred people got it on video and posted it before the night was over.
