She glanced at him out of the corner of her eyes. Although she hadn’t noticed him poking his glasses into place even once tonight.
Then again, he’d grown more comfortable around her since he’d moved to Bluebell. He rarely messed with his glasses or spewed statistics anymore. And she’d mostly ceased to babble like a downhill brook. They were content together.
Her lips tugged upward.Content.What a lovely word.
A while later they came out of the mountain turns and eased onto the low road that curved around the lake. She held her breath as they neared the turn-off for the park. This could be it. This could be the moment that...
But no. The car didn’t slow at all.
Okay. All right. A boat ride then. And this way she could grab her sweater from her room before they set off. Aw, this was perfect. A boat ride proposal on the one-year anniversary of their first kiss. He was so thoughtful. She couldn’t wait to throw her arms around him and say yes. She clasped her hands in her lap so her response didn’t precede the actual question.
A few minutes later he pulled into the slot in front of the inn. Thank God the paparazzi had given up their station after Levi and Mia had given them what they’d wanted.
Molly and Adam were all alone. The porch light glowed, giving the place a homey feel. Her heart pummeled her ribs, and her mouth was a little dry. A bunch of words bubbled up, but she bit them back.
No talking, Molly. Do not ruin this!
He shut off the engine and came around for her door. She gave him her best smile as she brushed past him. The moonlight kissed every surface, giving the night an ethereal glow. The scent of jasmine hung in the air. It was a perfect night for a proposal. For an engagement.
Squee!
Deep breaths, Molly. Settle down. Remain calm.
Her knees felt a little rubbery as she took the porch steps. Adam’s hand rested on the small of her back. She had to be careful not to ruin the surprise he’d planned. When was he going to suggest a boat ride?
She reached for the door handle.
“I should probably say good night out here,” he said. “I have an early radio interview.”
She turned and met his gaze, her heart stuttering. “Oh?”
“Out of New York. One of the largest stations in the country, actually.”
“That’s great.” On the porch then? Was he going to ask her on the porch?
He brushed a thumb across her cheek and looked deep into her eyes. “I had a wonderful time tonight. I always have a wonderful time with you, Molly.”
“Me too. Thank you for dinner.”
Something shifted in his eyes. But it wasn’t something good. More like a dark shadow. Sadness? Regret? He wasn’t supposed to be having regret tonight. He was supposed to be—
But then his eyes were closing, and he was brushing her lips softly.
Molly responded to the kiss as her mind spun. What was going on? Why wasn’t he asking her? Had she done something wrong?
Maybe...
Oh my gosh, was it possible she’d invented the whole thing? Had she completely misunderstood? The dinner reservations could have simply been his way of celebrating their first kiss.
But no. Two days ago she’d seen a call come in on his phone when he was out of the room. It had said Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany! You didn’t have to be from New York to know what that was. Of course, they sold more than just engagement rings. But her birthday was a long way off, and Adam didn’t wear jewelry at all. What else could it possibly be?
She didn’t have to have a Tiffany ring; she wasn’t fussy. She’d be thrilled with a ring from Jared’s or Kay’s or, at this point, a gumball machine.
Adam pulled away, giving her a quizzical look. “Are you all right?”
She forced a smile. “Of course, I’m fine. I’m great. Just peachy. I’m not sure I’ve ever been better.” She bit her lip.
