Molly scanned her sister’s long, lithe form. “You look good in a dress. You should wear them more often.”
“Not happening. But I like yours too.”
Grace had all but insisted Molly get the floral sundress when she saw it on display. She had to admit it totally suited her, and it clung and flowed in all the right places.
Molly checked her watch. “Are you sure it doesn’t start till nine thirty? Isn’t that kind of late?”
Grace looked up from her phone. “It started at nine but, you know, fashionably late and all. Ready?”
Molly pushed away from the mirror and slipped into her heels. “Let’s drive Levi’s car. I don’t want a breakdown on one of those switchbacks.”
“Don’t forget your purse.”
“Oh. Right.” Molly led the way downstairs. She didn’t get dressed up often, but she felt pretty swanky in her new dress, with her curled hair flowing around her shoulders. She only wished Adam could see her, but he was out of town.
She turned at the bottom of the steps, holding out her phone. “Take a picture. I want Adam to see my new dress.”
Grace rolled her eyes but accommodated. She was just reaching for the doorknob when Levi came down the hall.
“You guys look nice.”
“Thanks,” they said.
“Can I get your help out back before you go, Molly?”
“We’re on our way out.”
“I see that, but it’ll just take a minute.”
“Will it dirty up my dress?”
Levi smirked. “Not even a little.”
Molly shrugged. “Fine. I’ll be right out,” she told Grace.
She set her dainty purse on the check-in desk and followed Levi down the hall. She couldn’t imagine what he was working on outside in the dark, but he was always puttering around with something. Especially since Mia left. He was working himself to the bone over this inn.
But she had to admit he’d kept his promise where she and Grace were concerned. Whenever Grace brought up her new business he was supportive. He even offered business and marketing advice. And even though Levi hardly sat still these days, he seemed a little less tightly strung. And that benefited all of them.
Levi opened the back door for her, and Molly stepped down onto the back patio.
Suddenly there was light. White twinkle lights. Everywhere.
And standing in the center of the beautifully lit patio was Adam, handsome in a black suit. His lips curved in a sheepish smile.
A wave of gooseflesh pebbled her arms. Her breath caught. She placed a hand to her heart, sure it had swollen to twice its normal size.
A shuffle sounded behind her. She tore her eyes from Adam and caught Levi’s gaze, holding it for a poignant moment. Then he gave her a knowing grin and slipped back inside.
She faced Adam again. He looked so precious, standing there, all uncertain and shy. And she felt blessed beyond words to be loved by him. She walked forward, closer, closer.
She could hardly catch her breath. “Oh, Adam.”
“You look so beautiful. And I’m trying very hard not to spew random facts, but the urge is strong.”
The laugh gurgled from her tight throat. “I’m actually speechless. You better go quick before the moment ends.”
He took her at her word, sinking onto the mossy pavers, one knee down, and took her hands. His were shaking, but so were hers. And she couldn’t tear her gaze from the love shining in his eyes.
