catch on the rose petals on the floor leading into the restaurant.
“Better follow them, Angel,” he murmurs, and lets go of my hand.
I give him a look before doing just that, walking alongside the trail on my white heels as the petals wind through the empty restaurant—right to the table we sat at on our first date. The one in front of the flowers with the glass ceiling. Nothing is on the white tablecloth under the stars…except a ring.
It’s in a velvet Cartier box, and the rock is so huge, I bet you could see it from the sky. It sparkles with an inner light, and the white band is inlaid with smaller yellow stones. I gulp as my heart skips a beat, my head screaming at me not to get my hopes up, but when I turn, I find him behind me.
He’s on his knees, his face hopeful, his dark eyes locked on me. Tyler takes my hand, which is shaking, and kisses it tenderly. His dark gaze is filled with hope and so much love, it staggers me.
“Angel, this seemed like the perfect place to ask. It’s the place I realised that you were my forever, that I loved you so much, I wanted to marry you. This is where we were always meant to end up, no matter how hard the journey was. I’ve made some mistakes, but I will spend the rest of my life making up for them…if you will have me?”
“Tyler—” I start, but he smirks, silencing me.
“Lexi, you are the love of my life. The woman I have been waiting for. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, discovering what love and happiness really means. If you will have me… Angel…will you marry me? Will you be mine forever?” he asks, his voice shaking. He swallows as he waits for me to answer.
My heart skips, and tears fill my eyes. “Yes,” I whisper before dropping to my knees. “Yes!” I almost scream, throwing myself at him.
He catches me with a laugh, and our lips meet in a desperate, happy, hopeful kiss before he helps me to my feet and grabs the ring, sliding it on my finger and kissing me again. My heart explodes with such happiness, the strength astounds me, and it all starts with him. Just then, claps and cheers sound, and I turn, crying and laughing, to see the restaurant staff all watching, along with my friends and Tyler’s friends and family. I didn’t even see them come in, too consumed by the man I’m going to marry.
His arms wrap around me as he kisses my cheek. “I love you so much, Angel, and I can’t wait for you to be my wife.”
I turn to him, grinning wider than I thought was possible as my heart soars. It doesn’t even feel real to be this happy. “I love you too, so much. How did I get this lucky?” I murmur, blown away.
“You? Angel, I’m the lucky one. I get to spend every day waking up with you and every night in your arms,” he replies, leaning down and kissing me, showing me with that one touch just how much he wants this.
Wants me.
The next hour is a rush of congratulations, jokes, laughter, and pictures. When we finally all sit down for a meal, Tyler and I are at the table by ourselves as everyone drinks and celebrates.
As I stare at the ring in shock, I can’t help but laugh. Who knew I would end up marrying the man who was my ex’s dad? If he was still alive, I would be his stepmom. The thought sends a twinge of pain through me at the memory of his loss. Not for me, but for Tyler. But now is not a time for sadness, it’s time for happiness.
It’s a place for possibilities and so much love that it feels like it might explode out of me.
“That’s not the only surprise, Angel,” Tyler promises, kissing me. “Finish your dessert, I have somewhere to take you.”
I could barely finish the cake, too excited with whatever he has in store for me. I’m staggered, I’m engaged. I’m going to get married. I always knew this is where we would end up, and I’m okay with it. Over a year ago, I couldn’t imagine getting married, and now I couldn’t imagine not marrying this man. We said goodbye to everyone, and they watched me with knowing looks—it seems I’m the only one