Page 60 of Whisk Me Away

My breath hitched when Brant pulled into the parking lot that led to the hiking trails. I hadn't been here since the day I got the call that Mom was back in the hospital. Brant's hand tightened around mine as if he knew at this moment I would need a little extra comfort. Somehow, he always knew.

CHAPTER 40

BRANT

Iknew coming here was a risk, and I was really hoping it wouldn't backfire. The last time I brought Karis here, she got the phone call about her mom being in the hospital, and it wasn't long after that when she passed away. I knew this place could hold negative memories, and I really wanted to redeem it for her. I was hoping this evening would do exactly that.

Aspen texted Karis to take the day off, but she ignored her and showed up at Whisk Me Away this morning, almost ruining everything. Thankfully, Aspen convinced Karis to go home, or I would have had to change plans. Aspen, Eden, and Mia were currently at the bakery decorating and setting up for the surprise engagement party we had planned. My job was to get Karis out here and propose; the girls would do the rest.

I parked my SUV in the gravel lot and tuned in my seat to face Karis. Her worried look had me second-guessing whether my idea was worth the risk of upsetting her.

"We don't have to go here," I said, trying to mask the dread I was feeling inside. I could change plans and make it work if she was uncomfortable, but the last thing I wanted to do was upset her.

Karis slowly shook her head before turning to look at me. Her bright green eyes held a hint of defiance in them. "I'm good."

"Are you sure?" I wanted her to be one hundred percent sure before we climbed out of this vehicle.

"Yes," Karis nodded, her voice coming out strong and determined.

I reached over and squeezed her knee before climbing out.

Rounding the SUV, I opened the passenger door, and Karis hopped out. I slammed the door, hit the lock button, and dropped the keys in my pocket. I grabbed Karis' hand and began walking toward the trail.

The first few minutes were spent in comfortable silence before Karis finally spoke.

"I wasn't sure how being back here would feel, but I think Mom would be proud of me," Karis' voice was low. My thumb rubbed circles on the back of her hand as we walked.

"I know she would be," I gave her a reassuring smile.

The hike to the spot I showed her a few months ago took almost forty-five minutes today. We walked at a much slower pace, taking in the incredible beauty around us. By the time we made it to the top, neither of us was that out of breath. It was impossible not to sweat during July in Tennessee, but thankfully, we weren't panting.

I slid the backpack off and pulled out the blanket I stuffed in there this morning. I wandered over to a large tree that provided plenty of shade while still giving us a great view of the Falls. Once I had it spread out, I motioned for Karis to join me.

My hands were sweating, but I was hoping Karis wouldn't think anything of it since it was July. I wiped my palms along my shorts, feeling for the delicate ring I had hidden in my pocket. My stomach was in knots as I took a few breaths to calm my nerves. I didn't think Karis would say no, but I didn't want to be overly confident. Olivia said yes, even though she didn't really want to get married.

I shook my head, clearing away any thoughts of my ex. This was the last place I wanted thoughts of her to infiltrate. Karis is not her, and I'm not going to worry about it.

"This place really is incredible," Karis said, breaking the silence.

"Are you glad we came?" I asked, trying to make sure I should continue with my plan.

Karis nodded as she stared out toward the Falls. She turned her head and gave me a wide smile. "Yes. Thank you for bringing me here."

The nerves weaving their way through my body lessened a little at her words. I pulled my feet under me and pushed to stand. I reached out a hand to Karis.

"Come with me,” Karis placed her hand in mine, and I helped her get to her feet. We walked hand in hand to the end of the stream, and I turned to face her, still holding one of her hands in mine.

"Peach, from the moment I met you, I knew my life would never be the same. You entered my world like a burst of sunlight, illuminating the darkest corners of my soul and filling them with warmth and joy. With each passing day, my admiration for you grew, and my love for you deepened beyond measure."

Karis' breath hitched as her eyes bored into mine.

"You are the most remarkable person I have ever known. Your kindness knows no bounds, your compassion touches the hearts of all who know you, and your strength inspires me in ways I never thought possible. But it's not just your kindness or strength that captivates me, Karis. It is your spirit, your laughter, the way your eyes sparkle when you talk about the things you love. It's the way you see the beauty in the world, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. You have a way of turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories, and I am grateful for each and every one that we’ve shared,” I paused to pull in a quick breath. Tears were glistening in Karis' eyes. She was absolutely breathtaking.

"As I stand here before you now, I realize that there are no words that could fully express the depth of my love for you. You are my partner, my confidante, my best friend, and I cannot imagine my life without you in it. Karis, will you do me the honor of being my partner for the rest of our days? Will you stand by my side as we embark on this journey together, facing whatever challenges may come our way with love, laughter, and devotion?" I dropped to one knee as I pulled my grandmother's ring out of my pocket.

"Peach, I love you more than words can say. Will you marry me?"

Tears were now streaming down her cheeks as her eyes bounced from the ring between my fingers in my outstretched hand and my eyes.

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