Page 74 of The Perfect Putt

“Do you like it?” he asks, trepidation in his voice.

“It’s beautiful, Miles. I love it.” I kiss him again. He pushes his hands into my hair and deepens the kiss. I hum low in my throat, arching into him. Suddenly, he pulls back.

“And this place?” he asks against my lips.

“Do you mean the flowers? They’re lovely. You couldn’t have planned any better.” I tug on his shirt to pull him to me again, but he resists. I let out an impatient whine, and he chuckles in response.

“I mean the building. Do you like it?”

I look around, then back at him, not sure what he means.

“Why are you asking me about buildings when I’m trying to kiss you?”

He tucks a stray curl behind my ear, pure affection in his gaze. “Because this is your engagement gift.”

Realization sets in. I slowly shake my head. “Miles, tell me you didn’t buy this place.”

“I could tell you that, but I’d be lying. And I don’t think lying is the best foundation for marriage.” A boyish grin stretches his lips.

“This is too much. You can’t buy me a diamond ring and a whole building!”

“Says who?”

I shoot him a look. “Miles.”

“Red,” he replies, his tone playful but soft. “Please don’t tell me you’re going to deny me the pleasure of spoiling you when I’ve been looking forward to it for some time now.”

“You already spoil me plenty.”

“The fact that you think that means I should spoil you more.”

I bite my cheek to stifle a smile. “You shouldn’t have done this.”

“I already did. No going back now.”

“What if I would have said no?”

“I wouldn’t have asked if I’d thought there was even the smallest chance of that.”

“You’re very cocky, you know that?”

“Only when it comes to things I’m sure of. And I’m sure that we love each other. That we belong together.” He tips my chin up and looks meaningfully into my eyes. “I’m sure of you. You’ve been taking care of everyone else and working hard for years now. It’s time for you to chase after your own dreams.”

My tears start back up again, and Miles kisses them away. It feels surreal to have my dream actually within reach. I have the funds to front all the start up costs, and enough savings to pay for utilities until I start making money. It was just the building that was slowing me down. And now I have a space in the perfect location in my favorite place on earth.

“I don’t know what to say.”

“That’s okay, because in a second there’s going to be a whole lot of people who will have plenty to say for you.”

My brows scrunch together. He just gives me a secretive smile and leads me through the back door out onto a little patio area…that’s packed full of all my closest family and friends.

“Congratulations!” They all cheer in unison, and then the hug parade begins, starting with my parents who Miles must have flown in. As I accept hugs and sweet words from my loved ones, I can’t stop smiling and the tears keep coming too.

For once in my life, my heart is on my sleeve and I don’t mind it. I hope everyone can tell how in love and happy I am. I’m overwhelmed in the very best way and I don’t care who knows it. When Miles pulls me in for a kiss that causes everyone to whoop and whistle, I don’t pull away. I wrap my arms around him and kiss him right back.

I take note of everything. The salty wind in my hair, the sun on my skin, the sound of my friends and family, Miles’ soft lips on mine, his strong hands holding me up. I commit it all to memory and hope that this moment is branded on my mind and heart forever.

Fifty years from now when I’m an old woman feeding the seagulls on the beach, I want to remember the day I got engaged to the love of my life. The man who pushes my buttons and pushes me to do great things. The one who loves me more than anything–including his career–and shows me that I come first every day. The one I love with every fiber of my being.

---