Page 56 of Come Back to Me

“You bought this for me?” She turns to glance around the space again.

I reach into my pocket and tug out the ring box. I’ve been holding onto this for weeks. I went out and bought Savannah a ring as soon as she went back to college. I have no doubt I want to spend the rest of my life with her, but I wanted her to get settled in her new world before I proposed.

“Savvy, I can't get down on one knee, but I have something to ask you.”

She gasps as she turns to face me again. Her wide eyes fall to the box in my hands and they widen impossibly larger.

“I’ve known you were the woman I wanted by my side since we were little. I didn’t know it was love back then, but I know it is now. Will you spend the rest of your life with me, Savvy? Marry me and make me the happiest man in the world.”

“Yes!” She squeals as she throws herself into my arms.

I don’t waste a second, ducking my head and capturing her lips. I swear I'm never going to get enough of this woman.

“But can we get married soon?” She pulls back and blinks up at me.

“We can get married as soon as you’d like. I have a venue and caterer in mind.” I wink, making her giggle. “You just need a dress and I guess we should invite some people.”

“I want our wedding to be the first one we host here.” She turns her back to me and stares up at the beams. “We can hang lights on the beams and place flowers here and here.” She motions around the room.

I close the distance between us and wrap my arms around her waist. I listen to all of her ideas for her perfect wedding and know I’ll do whatever I need to do to make sure she gets the wedding of her dreams.

“Oh, Nixon! This place is beautiful! You did such an amazing job fixing it up!” Carla steps into the barn and takes in the space.

“You did good, son.” Donny pats me on the back and smiles at his daughter. She’s smiling ear to ear, appreciating her new ring. “I see you have some new jewelry. Congratulations, sweetheart.”

Donny wraps his daughter in a big hug before releasing her and tugging Carla into his side.

“I'm so proud of the two of you,” Carla gushes. “It’s always been a dream of mine to see the two of you get married. I knew you were born to be together.”

“I'm pretty sure she’s been planning your wedding since you wore diapers.” Donny grins.

“Oh! You can finally call me mom!” Carla swipes a tear from her cheek and sucks in a slow breath. She’s trying to keep in control of her emotions, but she’s never been good at it.

“Alright, Ma. Let’s not cry too much or you’re going to make me think you’re sad.” I roll my eyes, teasing her.

“Of course I'm not sad, Nixon!” She swats at my arm, making me chuckle. “I'm just wondering how long it will take for you two to give me grandbabies.”

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