“Duly noted, sir.”
He stood and reached for my hand. We walked back into the kitchen, and I rinsed out our mugs.
“Ready?” he asked, a look of excitement all over his face.
“Ready.”
He took my hand in his again and we made our way out the back door, toward the barn. Piper ran ahead, barking like she was just as excited as Liam.
“Is she in on the surprise?” I asked in a teasing voice.
“She is not, but I bet she thinks we’re going riding.”
I pouted. “Poor baby. I hope you at least have a treat for her in the barn.”
Liam didn’t say anything. The closer we got to the barn, the more nervous he seemed.
It felt like butterflies flew into my stomach as my own nerves started up. What in the world could be making him so nervous?
The main sliding barn doors were closed, so Liam walked us around to the side of the barn. He stopped at the door, his hand on the knob. Turning to me, he said, “I never in my life thought I could love someone as much as I love you, Mallory. It happened so fast, and under the craziest of circumstances, but I’m so glad you got away…and ran in the direction you did.”
My heart pounded in my chest. “I am, too.”
Liam opened the door, and we walked into the barn. I gasped at the sight before me. “Liam! When did you do this? It’s beautiful…oh my gosh!”
White lights were strung across the barn’s upper beams, giving it a soft, romantic glow. In the middle of the barn floor, a large blanket was spread out, with pillows and a few more folded blankets stacked on it. Piper had already made herself at home, her head resting on one of the pillows.
“This is so lovely!”
He guided us over to the blanket and motioned me to sit down. There was a bucket filled with ice and a bottle of champagne. Liam poured a glass and handed it to me.
“Thank you,” I said with a wide smile. He poured a glass for himself as well and sat down.
He slowly let out a breath. “It’s hard to believe it’s only been three months since you entered my life, Mallory. I can honestly say I barely remember life before you. You’ve brought me joy and happiness that I never knew was possible. After Emily, I wasn’t sure I could ever love again. Then I found you that night in the storm, and everything changed. I think I instantly fell inlove as I watched you sleep that first day. The fierce way I needed to protect you was something I’d never felt before. I hate that you came into my life the way you did, but I will forever thank God for bringing you to me regardless. My life feels complete with you in it, and I never want to live without you.”
He took the glass from me and laughed. “I think I should have waited to pour these.”
Downing his, he set the glass down and stood. He reached for my hands and helped me up. Then, he reached into his pocket, pulled out a black velvet box, and got down on one knee.
My hand flew to my mouth, and a sob slipped free.
“Mallory Lee Wilson, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Dropping to my knees, I threw my arms around him and cried. He held me tightly, and I had never in my entire life felt such pure love and happiness. Drawing back, I wiped my tears away and looked into his sky-blue eyes. “Yes! Yes, I will marry you, Liam!”
His own tears fell, and he took the ring out and slipped it onto my hand…a single, round solitaire diamond on a white-gold band.
“This was my mother’s ring.”
A new round of sobs hit me as I attempted to focus through my watery vision. “It’s beautiful. I’ll treasure it with my whole heart.”
He cupped my face and brushed the tears away with his thumbs. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
He kissed me, and I suddenly saw my future. I was married to a cowboy who raised cattle and horses. Two little kids—a boy and a girl, brown, curly hair on both—ran in our front yard as their father chased after them. It was a life full of love and happiness, and it was more than I’d ever dreamed of.
“Can I ask you one question?” I asked as I ran my finger along his jawline.
