"Of course," I murmured, knowing I couldn't stifle his creativity.It was a part of him, and he loved surprising me.
He let out a breath and looked up at me."Will you do me the honor of being my wife?"
I knew it was coming, but nothing prepared me for the impact of those words."I can't wait to be your wife."
He took my hand and slid a ring onto my finger.I lifted it so that the light of the fire reflected off the facets of the square diamond.
He stood."The store owner said it was a princess cut, and I thought that was fitting for you.A diamond for a princess."
I never thought of myself that way, but lately, I felt like my life was playing out like a fairy tale."You make me feel like one."
Then he kissed me, pouring everything he felt into it.When he pulled back, he rested his forehead against mine."Do you like it?"
I laughed."Do you mean the room, the dinner you planned, or the ring?"
"All of it."His expression was still a little uncertain, even though I'd accepted his proposal.
I smiled."I love everything."
He tipped his head to the side."Did I top the night at the Denver Public Library?"
"You easily topped that night because this space is ours."We could use it whenever we wanted.We could spend lazy evenings here reading a book in front of the fire or even plan a special dinner for two.I loved our life together, and this store had become a hub of community meetings and events.
It was the place where we'd first seen each other again after high school, reviewing the plans for the addition, and where I'd run out of the building in bare feet and lingerie, reminding Maverick that his desire for me had only burned hotter over the years.
The store was located in the middle of town, whereas our relationship was the center of everything.I would always cherish it."I love you."
He let out a breath."I don't want you to ever doubt my love."
"I see it in every stone of this fireplace and every line on that statue of the girl outside and in your eyes."
Then he kissed me, reminding me that nothing was more important than us.
When we finally broke apart, he served me dinner in front of the fire, telling me about everything that went into the construction of the room, inspiration for the fireplace design, and the shelves which weren't straight wood.Instead, the designer sanded the wood until it was curved and smooth, matching the slab of wood he'd used for the mantle.
I loved listening to him talk about what he was passionate about.
After we finished dinner and were sharing a slice of chocolate cake, he said, "I hope you don't mind, but a design magazine asked if they could feature your patio in their upcoming publication."
I frowned."Why would I get mad about that?"
"I don't want you to think that I designed any of this to promote myself or my business.This was for you."
"I think it's amazing that you're going to be featured."
"The editor from the magazine mentioned that another publication wants to feature the town itself."
I paused."You're kidding?"
"Apparently, a year-round Christmas-themed town is unique."
I grinned."Natasha and Eve are going to be so excited."
"It was your patio and shop that caught their attention.Remember when I told you it was your drawings that would draw people to your shop?"
I nodded.
"It was your drawing of the little girl that led to the inspiration for the fountain, which landed the patio and the town in a magazine.It was all you."
