I swallow the anger in my throat. “Afewof the trees.”
“That’s my proposal.” He reaches into the breast pocket of his coat, taking out a small, turquoise blue pouch and sliding it across the table to my hand. “All you have to do is say yes, and it’s done.”
The room falls silent, and I realize everyone in this place knows what’s going on. He told them he was going to propose to me, and they’re all waiting for me to say yes so they can clap and cheer.
I look down at the blue velvet pouch, not touching it. “That’s it?”
Corey’s brow falls, and he frowns at me. “What did you think? I texted you as much in January.”
“In January, your offer was for the entire orchard, not a small memorial garden.”
His voice turns sarcastic. “It’s still saving your damn trees.”
Blinking rapidly, I shake my head. “You’re asking me to marry you for a memorial garden?”
His nostrils flare, and he shrugs. “It’s better than nothing.”
I don’t even move. My eyes narrow, and I speak slowly. “What if I want more?”
“My God, Dove, must you always be so impossible?You’re an intelligent woman. You must know that something is better than nothing.”
I’m about to point out his proposal is nothing when a commotion breaks out behind us. I hear loud male voices, and our waiter is arguing with someone.
“Excuse me, sir, but you can’t come in here right now.”
“Like hell I can’t.” I know that voice, and I’m out of my chair at the sound.
Turning, I have to catch my breath when I see Maverick standing in the middle of the restaurant. He’s dressed in a tailored gray suit, and his hair has been cut. It’s still a little long and shaggy, and a small bandage is above his left eyebrow. The glasses are on his nose, and when he smiles, that dimple I love pierces his cheek.
A whimper slips from my throat as I run into his arms. “Maverick,” I sigh as he hugs me firmly against his chest. “You’re here.”
His warm lips press against my head, my temple. “I told you I was on the way.”
Lifting my face, I look up at him, and his smile is the best thing I’ve seen in weeks. “I’m so glad to see you.”
He leans down to cover my lips with his, and our mouths part. His tongue slides to mine on a warm caress, and my knees turn to liquid. He could toss me over his shoulder right now and carry me all the way to the house, and I’d only smile and rest my elbow on his back.
“What’s the meaning of this?” But of course, there’s Corey. “How dare you burst in here and interrupt our dinner this way?”
Maverick exhales a laugh, gazing into my eyes, his arms still around me. “This guy.”
I shake my head, turning to face Corey, who is now on his feet.
“It’s over, Hayes.” Maverick takes my hand, lifting it in his. “All of it.”
“What are you talking about?” Corey blusters, reminding me of a disgruntled chicken.
“I bought LaGrange Orchard—the land, the house, the trees…” Maverick takes a folded blue paper from his coat pocket.
My breath catches, and I turn to face him. “You did what?”
He steps closer, handing it to me. “I bought it, but only under the condition that it be gifted back to you and your family.”
“How…?” Tears are in my eyes, but I’m doing my best to hold them back.
“I’m not sure exactly,” Maverick chuckles. “I told my lawyer to do it, and he did.”
“But… why?”
