“Happy anniversary. We started dating a year ago today.”
Troy always was the romantic in their relationship. Elle couldn’t believe they’d been dating for an entire year. Where had the time gone? She was the happiest she’d ever been in almost twenty-five years. Which reminded her . . .
“And my birthday’s tomorrow.”
“I know.” He kissed her again, this time on the forehead. “It’s a big weekend. In fact, I thought we could talk about that.”
Elle took a large sip of coffee, savoring Troy’s ability to mix her favorite hazelnut roast with the perfect amount of cream and sugar. “Heaven in a cup” is what she called it, and no one made it as perfectly as he did. Not even she could duplicate his recipe.
“Talk about what? I’ll be twenty-five, no big deal. Let’s just go to dinner or something.”
“I had a better idea.”
Elle narrowed her eyes at Troy, whose expression had changed in an instant. He looked anxious as his fingers tapped quickly on his thigh.
“How about a trip?”
“Like a getaway?” Elle brightened at the idea, then bit her bottom lip, wondering where they might go.
“Something like that,” Troy replied. His fingers continued to tap anxiously as Elle pondered the possibilities. Where would they go? Perhaps a road trip up to Door County for wine sampling. Perhaps a trip down to Champaign to visit their alma mater. No matter the location, she could think of no better way to spend the weekend. Until she saw it.
Troy reached into his pocket, placing a velvet box on the tray.
“Oh my God,” Elle said, her voice deadpan and her eyes wide as she looked down at the unexpected gift. “Is that—?”
“Look, I know we’ve never talked about this, but . . . it’s all I can think about. You, me, a future together. I want to marry you, Rigby.”
Elle’s palms were sweating and adrenaline coursed through her veins.
Marriage? Really?
“Troy, I—”
“I remember back in college, you said you hated fancy weddings . . . you wanted to get married on a whim. You said it was ‘the epitome of romance.’”
Elle remembered saying that, but was astounded Troy remembered as well. He’d paid attention.
“Let’s do it, Rigby. Let’s get married today. I’m so in love with you.”
“Today?” Elle’s heart pounded and her belly flipped. She scrunched her nose as she pondered something she knew she wasn’t quite ready for. “I mean, I—”
Troy’s eyes were wide and bright, sparkling in the morning sunshine. Elle’s mouth went dry, overwhelmed by the proposal. They’d spent an entire year together, and unlike the past when all they could do was argue, they’d had three hundred and sixty-four days of absolute joy. Picnics in the park, museums on the weekends, nights on the couch with Chinese takeout or a Chicago-style pizza. Troy was thoughtful, protective, and romantic. And she loved him . . . more than she could ever imagine loving another person.
“Do you love me, Rigby?”
“Of course I do. You know that.”
“Please marry me. Please make me the happiest man alive.” A crease formed above his nose. To deny him happiness would kill her. And she loved Troy Saladino. She really did.
“Yes.” The word flew from her mouth. All she could think of was pleasing the man she loved so very much. “But where?”
“Where else? Vegas, baby.”
“Oh my God,” Elle whispered, struggling to catch her breath. “I’ve never been to Vegas.”
Everything Elle knew about Las Vegas she’d learned from movies and commercials. All she could picture was a dirty chapel with a pastor dressed up like Elvis Presley. Her stomach churned at the thought.
“Well, that’s about to change.”
Troy opened the box, revealing a simple princess-cut diamond on a white gold band. Elle sighed as she took in its beauty and simplicity. Troy knew her so well. They’d never looked at rings together, but if they had, this was the exact ring she would have selected. Simple, classy, and gorgeous. Troy eased it onto her shaky finger. A tear slid down her cheek as she looked into his eager eyes.
“It fits you perfectly.” Troy raised her fingertips to his lips, placing a gentle kiss on her pale skin.
“Are you sure about this?” Elle blurted out, again without considering the consequences of her words. Troy grimaced, but nodded firmly.
“I’ve never been more sure. But you . . . I want you to be sure. If this is too much, you can think about it, take some time, we can wait—”