Chapter 87
Emily had completely forgotten the “danger” of a looming proposal. Now that it happened, she was surprised, but not shocked. Despite all her previous fears, the feeling was not of her freedom being taken away or of her youth ending, but rather of something new beginning.
She could still feel young and adventurous, especially when she was standing on top of a mountain. It was a symbol of what her life could be, the experiences she could share with her one true love. When she looked at Byron, she saw not only a stunningly good-looking man, but also someone she had come to know and love, a man who would do anything to make her happy, and she wanted to make him happy in return.
She could picture their life too. Even though there might be hardships, she could see the two of them always supporting each other and being together.
“I have only one thing to say,” she replied, “I will marry you!”
She had never seen Byron this happy before. His face shone with pure joy as he rose up and placed the ring on her finger. She was vaguely aware that Alistair and the musicians were applauding and cheering. Byron leaned forward to kiss her, and she met his lips with a sweet and tender kiss.
“We’re engaged,” Emily said, giggling. “This is going to take some time to get used to.”
“Take all the time you need.” Byron held her tightly in his arms.
“I can’t believe you did this,” Emily said, gasping with excitement. “How did you do all this?”
“Let’s just say it involved a helicopter,” Byron replied, “and a lot of careful planning. I wasn’t sure who could be trusted with such an important task and had the time to bring the engagement ring, but then I decided Alistair could do it, for extra pay, of course. And now he can get some much-needed vacation time.”
Alistair had slipped away from the tent, giving them some time alone.
“Shall I pour you a drink, my fiancee?” Byron asked.
“Please do, my fiance.”
“We have some fruit punch,” he offered.
“That would be perfect.”
Emily picked out some chocolate-covered strawberries and a couple of mini cupcakes from the snack table.
They sat down at a fold-out picnic table while the musicians played romantic symphonies to accompany their meal.
“It’s not just because of the cupcakes that you agreed to marry me?” Byron asked.
“Of course not! Why would you think that?”
“It’s just that you screamed ‘cupcakes!’ as soon as you came in here.”
“That’s because I overheard you ordering them on the phone,” she explained.
As she took a bite, it turned out to be a delicate and very refined chocolate and vanilla cupcake, the best she had ever tasted. “But these are worth getting married for!”
He laughed. His eyes, which she had so often seen shaded over with anger and despair, were still beaming with happiness. “I’m glad. I’ll have to get you more of these so you can stay married to me for years to come.”
After they enjoyed the music and the snacks, they thanked the musicians and continued their hike back down the mountains. Emily felt like she was walking on a cloud.
Then they drove on to a nearby resort town and checked into a luxury hotel.
“I had a property nearby,” Byron remarked as they entered their beautiful cabin with a scenic mountain view, “but I sold it during the company’s crisis.”
“I guess this five-star hotel will just have to do for now,” Emily joked.
She dropped onto the bed, exhausted after the hike and all the emotions of the day. She used to think rings were methods of entrapment, so she never had a favorite style of ring and didn’t dream of the day someone would propose to her. But looking at the ring, Emily thought it was exactly what she would have chosen: a big round diamond surrounded by a halo of smaller ones.
“Admiring your ring?” Byron asked.
“It’s so lovely,” she said, “Come join me on the bed, my fiance.”
When they were snuggled under the covers together, she said, “The ring is not the most important part. It’s having you with me.”
Feeling the warmth of his skin against hers was much more pleasure than any ring could provide. Emily no longer had to think of herself as the girl who was unlucky in love. She was with a wonderful man who loved her and wanted to be with her forever.
