Page 285 of The Heart You Kept

“Probably not.” I go back to weeding. “If you want me to stay alive, you keep me away from horses. I’m so uncoordinated that I fall over my own feet.”

He chuckles and keeps snipping. “Give it time.”

Golden rays shine from above as we walk across the meadow. I have a bunch of handpicked daisies and huge old trees are lined up along the boundary fence. I smile up at the sun. “You know, Edward, I think this is my new favorite place on earth.”

He throws his arm around my shoulder. “You’re my favorite place on earth.”

“Actually.” I smile. “Yours sounds better, and you’re right. You’re my favorite place on earth and this place is just a by-product of that.”

He pulls me closer and kisses my temple as we walk. “You know, I’ve been thinking.”

“Hmm.” I scan the ground for more daisies.

“When we get home and we move in together I want something to change between us.”

I glance up at him and stop on the spot. “You do?”

“Yeah.” He turns me toward him and takes my hands in his. “I want you to move in as my fiancée.”

My eyes search his. “What are you saying?”

“Marry me.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

ALORA

What?

My heart stops.

He drops to his knee as he holds my hands in his. “Marry me, Alora.”

“Edward,” I gasp as I drop to my knees too. “We don’t have to rush…. I mean…of course…but so soon…. I mean⁠—”

“It’s a yes or no question.” He cuts me off.

My eyes search his. “Are you seriously asking me to be your wife?” I whisper.

“I am.” He smiles softly. “When you know, you know.” He takes my face in his hands and kisses me. “And I know.”

His silhouette blurs. “I know too.”

“So answer the question. Will you marry me?”

“Yes.” I smile through tears. “Oh my god. Yes.” His lips take mine and we kiss and it’s the perfect moment in time.

Kneeling in a field of wildflowers at his beloved home, so simple and yet so out-of-this-world romantic.

“You have two choices for your engagement ring.” He smiles over at me, his eyes full of love.

“Is this real?” I laugh out loud.

“You can have my family heirloom ring. Or you can have a new one, the choice is yours.”

“Oh….” I think for a moment. “Was the family ring your mother’s?”

“Yes.” His eyes hold mine.