“As inCruz-in and Bennett Auto Repair Shop?”She shakes in a silent chuckle. “Not a chance. It just doesn’t have the same ring to it. But I appreciate the thought.”
“Okay then, we’ll have to add your name some other way.”
“Not necessary. But out of curiosity, what were you thinking?”
I pull away, step back, say a little prayer, then do what I came here to do.
Her eyes immediately tear up when she turns around and sees me down on a knee, ring in hand.
“You’ll just have to become a Cruz then. That way your name will be on the sign.”
For the second time since we walked through the door, her hand covers her gasp.
“Kenna, I know it’s only been two-and-a-half months. But it only took me about two-and-a-half days to fall for you. I love you. I love Amelia. I want to spend the rest of my life getting to know everything there is to know about both of you. And I want the rest of my life to start right now, this very minute, with you in my arms. My bed. My heart.” I take her hand in mine. “I’ve never asked anyone to marry me. This is it.You’reit. My one and only. My forever.”
“Carter…” Tears stream down her cheeks.
“Say yes, Kenna. You want to know why? Because…” I exhale a deep sigh and try to hold it together. “You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”
“That’s beautiful.”
I shrug. “Can’t take credit for it. It’s a Dr. Seuss quote. I had to google that one, though. I really wanted this to be romantic, and I’m not so good with words.”
“Are you kidding me? Believe me, Carter, youareromantic. You don’t need Dr. Seuss—or anyone—to help you.” She falls to her knees and clears her throat. “Ask me again.”
I swallow a huge lump and hold the ring up. “Kenna Bennett, will you marry me? Will you raise our kids with me? Will you let me be the father Amelia deserves to have? Will you be the mother Christian has always needed? Will you grow old with me in Calloway Creek, where we’ll watch our children and grandchildren flourish? Will you say yes and make me luckier than anyone who’s won any lottery ever?”
Through her continued tears, nowshe’sthe one shrugging. She sighs flippantly. “I suppose it’ll be cheaper than re-branding the whole shop.”
“Is that a yes?”
She throws her arms around my neck. “That’s ahellyes.”
My heart thunders. My eyes close. I thank God, the universe, the lottery. I might even thank Cyrus Kelly—but only a little bit.
The champagne doesn’t get touched for hours.
I have far better things to do with my fiancée.
~ ~ ~
“Who’s going to tell them?” I ask as we pull up to the house the next morning.
Kenna laughs. “You’re like a kid on Christmas, Carter.Youdo it.”
Excitedly, I jump out of the car and retrieve the overnight bag I’d secretly packed for us. Mia was the only person who was in on it. She helped me set up the cabin, gave me advice about picking a ring, and stayed with Christian and Amelia last night.
“Hey guys,” I say when we enter.
Three pairs of eyes turn our way. Mia’s eyes immediately dart to Kenna’s left hand, and then a huge smile crosses her face. She gives me a big thumbs up.
“How was the sleepover with Mia?” Kenna asks.
Amelia takes Kenna’s hand and pulls her into the living room. “Look, Mommy!”
The room looks like a tornado came through. Sheets and blankets are everywhere. They made another fort, and it’s a complete and total mess.
Kenna shakes her head and laughs.
