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Before Collin can answer, Todd adds, “I want to remind you. Jonathan, you have to be listed as a major shareholder. Hal made it clear that it needs to be a family-owned business. A direct descendant.”
“I know.” I meet Collin’s eyes across the table. “It’s yours if you want it. I’ll be the silent partner. Give you power to sign just about everything that needs signing.”
Todd interrupts again, with another reminder. “Jonathan needs to participate in a shareholder meeting once a year, in person.” Todd’s legal interjections are grating on my nerves. My father was determined to keep his construction company in the family. To make me a part of it, whether I wanted it or not. Even from the grave.
“Whatever.”
“I’ll take care of it,” Collins says with sincerity. “You can trust me. I promise.”
When we lock eyes this time, I’m pretty certain he’s not just talking about the company. But the girl as well.
“I know you will.”
When Jonathan promises something, it’s a soul promise. Four years ago, sitting on the same deck overlooking this same lake, he promised to share and listen, and to keep me safe.
Okay, he still sucks at texting. But no one’s perfect.
So when he reaches into his pocket and pulls out the little velvet box, I throw my arms around his neck. “Yes!”
He chuckles in my ear, his deep voice reverberating through my chest. “Are you going to let me ask you first?”
“Sorry, sorry.” I sit on his lap and remain as still as possible, but so very far from patient. It’s nearly as impossible as it was in elementary school when I’d do the pee dance in my seat with my hand raised, waiting for permission to use the bathroom.
“Sadie Prescott, I love you.”
“I love you too!” I kiss his lips. Then sit upright again. “Sorry.”
“This ring.” He opens the case to reveal the most beautiful ring in existence. The stone is a hue of aqua blue that I’ve never seen before. And on either side are three almond-shaped diamonds. They look like wings! “Is an aquamarine. It’s the birthstone of Aries, which Danika always reminds me I am.”
If I’d known, I would’ve packed so differently! Sweats and college sweatshirts are definitely not fitting for the most romantic moment of my life. That is happening! Right. Now. Sadie, pay attention. You need to remember every second!
I focus back on him.
“It’s meant to bring tranquility, courage, happiness, and most importantly… clear communication. I promise to always be honest with you. I promise to make your dreams my own. I promise to spend my life making you feel safe and loved. And I promise you will always know what lives within my heart. That you live there. You are the love of my life, Sadie. I only have one heart, and I promise it to you.”
Tears blur my vision. I swipe at them because I want to see him clearly. His dark eyes that penetrate my soul. His mouth that has promised me a life together. His face that I desperately want to kiss. “Can I say yes?”
“But I haven’t asked you yet.”
“You did. You asked me to care for your heart. I will, Jonathan. For the rest of my life.”
Jonathan slips the ring on my ring finger, where it fits as if it’s always been there. I set a hand on his cheek and stare at his gorgeous face, taking him in. The sun sparkles off his eyes—making them look like they’re on fire. Starlight. Eternal.
I lean down and kiss him, soft at first, but building into a fiery passion that steals the air from our lungs. When we finally exhale, our mingling breaths feel like a vow.
After I signed Reeves Construction over to Collin, officially making him the CFO, he invited me for a beer. The expression on my face must’ve given him the answer, because he apologized and said he understood. Whatever that meant.
He left. I left. And now I am going out of my mind replaying every word, look, and silent nod like I’m deciphering a hidden code.
Rachel: Are you on your way over?
I run a hand through my hair. The last thing I want to do is go to the house, preferring to be alone. With my thoughts? That sounds dangerous and masochistic.
Me: I want to get a run in before heading over.
Rachel: Run in our neighborhood. No one’s at the house. Leaving work now. Emma’s at practice. Use spare key.
I don’t know why this is so important to her. The pier is icy anyway, might as well.
