Page 60 of Always the Baker

Brax raised an eyebrow. “Oh yeah?”

I laughed, remembering our first awkward date. “Yeah. You’ve seen me at my worst. I’ve been covered in paint, ugly crying over reruns of old shows, and that time I tried to cook you dinner and nearly burned down my apartment.”

“Ah, yes. The Great Fried Chicken Disaster. How could I forget? For someone who is an amazing baker, your cooking is—”

“Enough of that.” He chuckled, reaching across the table to take my hand. I squeezed his fingers, suddenly feeling vulnerable. “But seriously, Brax. You make me feel… I don’t know, brave? Like I can actually do this whole artist thing.”

“That’s all you, sweetheart. But I’ve got another surprise. You up for a little adventure?”

I eyed him suspiciously. “As long as it doesn’t involve karaoke. I’m still recovering from last time.”

“No karaoke, at all. Just trust me, aight?”

He led me out of the courtyard and down the street. As we walked, I couldn’t help but notice how at ease I felt. The city that had once seemed so overwhelming now felt like home.

“Okay, close your eyes,” Brax said as we approached a building.

“Again? You’re not planning to push me off a cliff, are you?”

“You got me. This whole relationship was just an elaborate setup for murder.”

I laughed but closed my eyes, letting him guide me. The whir of an elevator, a few more steps, and then a gust of cool air hit my face.

“Alright, open them.”

I blinked, taking in my surroundings. We were on a rooftop, the city skyline stretching out before us. It took me a moment to take it all in.

“What’s going on?”

Brax nodded with a soft smile on his face. “I have something important to do, Billie. Well, to ask really.”

I felt my heart skip a beat as I took in the glitzy nightlife in front of me. It had once been a dream to have this experience, now I was living it again. The city lights twinkled around us,creating a magical atmosphere. Brax pulled me closer to a table that had the cake I’d baked for an engagement. It was the first engagement cake I’d done, and I wassoexcited about it. To see it here made me believe Brax was about to propose to me, but as he wrapped his hands around my waist, that couldn’t have been the case.

“Billie… These past few months with you have been the best of my life.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Even when I spilled paint all over your favorite jeans?”

He chuckled. “Especially then. You make every moment an adventure.”

My stomach did a little flip as he took a deep breath. There went those eagles again.

“I never thought I’d find someone who could handle my crazy schedule, let alone make me want to slow down and enjoy life,” Brax continued. “But you? You’re everything I never knew I needed.”

I felt my cheeks flush. “Brax, I…”

Before I could finish, he dropped to one knee, pulling out a small velvet box. My breath caught in my throat.

“Oh shit. You made me make my own engagement cake? You’re about to propose?”

He laughed. “If you’ll shut up and let me.”

Nodding, I bounced from one foot to the other as my eyes watered.

“Billie Hopkins, you’ve turned my world upside down in the best way possible. I didn’t believe in love at first sight, but when I met you, my heart knew you were the one. I love you, and I can’t see my life without you. Will you marry me?”

“Yes,” I whispered, then louder, “Yes!”

Tears fell from my eyes as Brax slipped the ring onto my finger. It was perfect. Big, radiant cut, completely gaudy and notmy style… but it was the perfect representation of him, which made it perfect for his proposal to me.

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