Page 93 of A Simple Life

“I told you I loved you in a totally unromantic way. I asked you to marry me without getting on one knee, no ring, and no flowery promises. She says I botched it up.”

I shook my head. “I disagree. I love that you told me for no reason. And your proposal was said with love. I don’t need the flowery promises. I need you. Your heart. Your love.”

“You have it. All of it. But if you like the pretty place, I want you to have that too, okay?”

I smiled. “Okay.”

He stood, holding out his hand. “Let’s go to bed, darlin’. I’ve got some fireflies lighting up my pants I want to show you.”

I let him pull me from the chair. “I can hardly wait to see.”

It was Friday before we made it to see the venue. The week had been busy at the restaurant and on the farm. Still, John found time to load up my furniture and bring it out to the farm, rebuilding the bedroom set in the other guest room for Abby, who was beyond thrilled we were staying. I wasn’t sure her feet were touching the ground yet. Every day, John would appear at the restaurant and follow me to the house to help me pack up a few boxes to add to our ever-growing invasion of the farmhouse. But his smile never left his face, and last night, I had looked around, amazed how quickly emptying the place had happened. It helped when your landlord owned the house, had family and staff with trucks, and was determined not to give you a chance to change your mind.

Not that I would. He made me too happy.

Laura picked me up since John told me he was really busy with some farm work that afternoon. Abby had a playdate with Bethy, which gave me the time to go and see the venue.

“If you like it, I’ll come with you next week,” he assured me.

We pulled up to a nice homestead, the lawn green and the flowers swaying in the breeze. Laura followed the driveway around back and parked in the large lot, pointing at a small building. “That’s it. It’s called Shades of Light.”

“How did you find out about it?”

“It’s my client’s. She is getting ready to open it, and she agreed to let you see it and use it as a practice run if you want it.”

Her phone rang, and she looked at the screen. “I have to take this. Go in and see what you think.”

I approached the building, taking in the old wood, the charming elements of the flowers and shrubs, the small rock fountains bubbling away in the sun, and the soaring pitch to the roof. Inside, I stood in awe. The ceiling was all glass, as was the back wall that looked out onto a wooded area. There were fairy lights everywhere. Beams and huge wooden pillars that soared twenty feet in the air. More flowers and decorations. The room was set up with tables and would easily hold sixty people or more, depending on how it was arranged. I could already see it at night with candles flickering, the stars overhead, and music playing. Laura had told me there was another building that housed a kitchen for catering and a space for the wedding parties to prepare in. I walked to the back, staring at the trees. I could see they, too, were strung with lights, and I could only imagine them at night.

The building was beyond pretty, and suddenly, I desperately wanted to marry John here. I knew he’d love it as well.

I heard the door open behind me and footsteps.

“I wish John could see this,” I said.

“Well then, darlin’, you got your wish.”

I spun with a gasp. Behind me stood John, holding Abby, who was beaming. She clutched flowers in her arms. “Hi, Momma.”

I had to swallow before speaking. “Hi, baby.” I walked toward them. “What are you doing here?”

John nudged Abby with a wink. “Being romantic.”

She giggled and extended the flowers my way. I took them, kissing her cheek, then rising on my toes to kiss John.

He smiled. “Beautiful.”

“It is.”

“I meant you.”

“Oh.”

He pulled out a chair, indicating I should sit. Once I did, he set Abby on my knee.

“I like this place.”

“I think it would be magical at night.”