Page 52 of The Dragon's Mate Proposal

“You’ll see, you’ll see,” I urged, stepping away from her, so I could shift. “Let’s go.”

“I just woke up!”

“Doesn’t matter.”

“But coffee,” she moaned, even as she climbed up my wing. “The sun isn’t even up yet.”

I laughed, spreading my wings. As I did, I hopped over to another section of roof, where I snagged a claw through the loop of the same large bag I’d used to transport our first batch of supplies to the house.

“What’s in there?” Samantha asked suspiciously, but I’d already launched us airborne and was winging my way toward our destination as fast as I could. “Are we going to be late?”

“I don’t think so,” I said. “But I’m not taking chances.”

“What on earth are we going to be late for?” she asked.

I swooped down over a hill line near the eastern edge of the property, landing just behind a line of trees that marked the top. Shifting back, I gathered up the supplies I’d packed in the bag and ushered Samantha long the trail.

She did as told, confused but agreeable, and I grinned like a fool. But I didn’t care. Seeing the look on her face would be worth it.

We burst through the tree line and Samantha came to a stop.

“Did you prepare this?” she asked, glancing at me.

I winked, enjoying the way her blush traveled from her cheeks down her jaw and neck. Leading her forward, I settled us on the giant blanket I’d laid out early in the morning. The corners of the blanket were pinned down with some tree logs, upon the tops of which I’d set an arrangement of candles. They still flickered with life, though they wouldn’t be necessary for much longer.

To the east, the horizon was awash with the light. Sunrise would be soon.

“Come, come,” I said, gesturing for her to sit on the plush blanket while I unpacked. “First things first, though.”

A thermos and mug were swiftly filled with coffee. I cupped the mug in both hands and reheated the beverage until it was steaming, just how I knew she liked it.

“Two milk, one sugar,” I said, adding the ingredients and swirling it around before handing it to her.

Samantha was staring at me so intently she barely noticed the coffee. Her nose twitched at the smell, however, pulling her attention away from me at last.

“You’re something,” she said between sips. “You know that, right?”

“Does that mean you like it?”

“Yes,” she said in soft tones. “I like it, Cade. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I would have done something on your birthday if you’d told me. Birthdays should be celebrated. I’m sure it’s not what it would be if you were among your own people, but it’s something.”

“Actually,” she said, taking a deep drink of the coffee. “This is more than I’ve done for my birthday for a while now.”

“Well, that’s sad. Next year, I’ll make sure to do it on your birthday.”

She smiled. “Next year, is it? Thinking that far ahead?”

I hadn’t really considered that when I said it. My lack of response was saved by the sun bursting over the horizon.

“Yeah,” Samantha said mostly to herself. “This is a pretty great birthday.”

We sat in silence and watched the sun rise. She drank her coffee and nibbled on some of the food I’d prepared. But it was clear her attention was elsewhere.

“Is everything okay?” I asked. “You usually eat breakfast.”

“I know,” she said.

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