“No. Something probably came up, and we will talk about it tomorrow. After the scavenger hunt.” I smiled and kept my positivity high. It was so unusual for me to be this hopeful, but Leia brought out the optimist in me.

“Okay, girl. Let’s get started, and at least you have a little more time now.” Look at Ty being all optimistic.

This was the sign. She was giving us the time we needed to make this proposal perfect!

Monday morning was here. Who would have thought, but last night, I slept better than ever. I was lighter and ready to talk to Leia and sweep her off her feet.

Ty and David delivered all the cards yesterday except the first one. I called Tom to inform him I would take a personal day today, and he was more than happy for me. He said I worked too hard, and with my billables as high as they were, I should expect a bonus come the end of the quarter.

Everything was coming up roses for me, and I couldn’t explain it. For once, it seemed like I was living my life the way I was supposed to, and I was excited for what was to come.

My heart was frantic inside my chest. It was getting closer to the time, and my anxiety was in overdrive. I was holding the little blue box with the channel-set baguette diamond ring. When I saw it yesterday, it called out to me. It was sleek but sexy, like Leia, and I hoped she would love it as much as I did. I’d never been this nervous or excited in my entire life.

After getting dressed, I got a text from Ty.

Ty: The eagle has landed.

Me: WTF?

Ty: I was trying to be stealthy. You ruin all my fun. I dropped off the first note, and I’d say you have a good hour before she finds you.

Me: This is a good idea, right?

Why did I have to be so neurotic?

Ty: Of course it is. Besides, it’s too late now.

That didn’t ease my fears, but he was right.

Me: What if she says no?

Ty: What happened to Upbeat Blake? Stop putting negative energy into the universe.

Me: I’m preparing myself. If she says no, I won’t ever recover.

Ty: She’s not going to say no. She loves you, and you’re the most amazing person. She’s lucky to have you in her life.

Me: Thanks, Ty. Did David tell you what to write? HAHA.

Ty: I can be sweet, too. But, yes, he is next to me.

I couldn’t help but laugh. I loved them both so much; regardless of who said what, I was doing better.

Me: Thank you, both. I’ll tell you how it goes.

Ty: We don’t need all the dirty deets. The highlights will suffice!

I shook my head as I laughed.

Me: If you don’t hear from me tonight, it’s good news!

I put my phone away and took some grounding breaths. This was it. There was no turning back, and even though I was nervous, I knew I didn’t want to. My future was Leia, and all I wanted to do was move forward—with her.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Leia - Monday

Monday was rough. My proposal was rejected by the other two organizations to which I had applied, and I was beyond crushed. Again, none of them gave me any indication as to why. I wanted to puke.