Page 123 of Born to Make You Smile

“Purple, yellow, red, blue,” repeated Gavin, not perplexed in any way by what was going on here. “Thank you, sir.”

“You’re welcome, Dr. Brinley. And Grace. You both have a fantastic day now,” the balloon man said, then left.

“How did he know my name?” I asked. “What’s going on?”

“Pop them.” Gavin conveniently took out a large safety pin from his pants pocket. “Purple first.”

I flashed him a dubious glance. Gavin was definitely up to something.

I began to pop the purple balloons. Then, after the third one, a small white paper fell out.

“Oh! What’s that?” Gavin asked suspiciously.

I opened the folded paper. The word “WILL” was printed in black marker.

Holy shit.I began to understand exactly where this was going. “Gavin... um…” I blinked, looking up at him. “Is this...what I think it is?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” He smirked. “Keep popping, love.”

I pressed my lips together to hide my elation, continuing to pop like a madwoman. Passersby likely thought I was crazy.

The next note—YOU.

Then—MARRY.

My heart picked up speed as I popped the single blue balloon, the final note that read—ME?

I looked over at Gavin, who was down on one knee, holding a small black box. Then he opened it.

My heart pounded with excitement.

Inside sat a beautiful ring—simple and timeless. A solitaire cushion-cut diamond on a white gold band. Gorgeous but not overly extravagant. The perfect ringfor me.

He looked up into my eyes, then gripped my left hand. I could feel him shake. I was shaking too. I swallowed, trying my best to hold my composure.

“Grace, love. We’ve been through so much together. Highs and lows. Ups and downs. I love you so very much. With every piece of my heart. You have no idea how happy you make me. Not only me but the girls as well. You have truly been oursaving grace,pun very much intended. Every day, I wake up with a smile, so thankful that you are a part of our lives. And I want you to officially be a part of our family. Forever.

“So, Grace Annika Mayer, my love. Will you accept this ring and marry me? Be my wife, my disco queen, my G-Force, for life?”

This dashing, disco-loving dentist. The love of my life. I threw my head back with laughter.

“Dr. Gavin Theodore Alexander Brinley,” I said with a smile. Then bounced and clapped. “Yes, of course! For life!”

He slipped the ring on my finger. A perfect fit. Then he stood, and I wrapped my arms around him. He pulled me in for a kiss.

“Now I believe,” I said against his lips.

“Believe in what?”

“Miracles.”

He laughed, then whispered, “And you are oneverysexy thing.”

We walked together, hand in hand.

“I can’t believe you planned that crazy balloon guy,” I said.

He chuckled. “That wasn’t even his real accent either. He’s actually a magician. And a theater actor.”

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