Page 94 of In the Dust

She nods. “With my life.”

I step behind her, her perfume filling my nostrils. She smells divine, like freshly picked strawberries after it’s rained.

* * *

“A few more steps.”My nerves are at an all-time high as I guide her to the center of her surprise.

“Ready?”

She nods, and I pull the material tight between my fingers, dropping it to our feet.

“Oh my God, Colton,” she gasps as she takes in the scenery around her.

We’re standing in the center of a clearing by her favorite spot, surrounded by flickering lanterns that cast a warm glow in the shape of a square. In the center of that square is a large cable-knit blanket with several pillows of different sizes arranged neatly. There’s a wicker basket that has a different array of sweet and salty snacks with a bottle of strawberry wine; all her favorites.

Her eyes widen as she takes it all in. “Is this why you wouldn’t let me come out here?”

I wrap my arms around her waist from behind, pulling her close. “Yes, Jackson and I have been out here almost daily the last several months, clearing this area.”

“What is this?”

“These lanterns represent the perimeter of where I want to build our future.” I guide her body as I explain the layout. “A kitchen over here, with floor-to-ceiling windows that give you a full view of the lake. A half bath over there. A living room in this corner with vaulted ceilings. A laundry room back there. A staircase here that leads upstairs to a master bedroom and a few other rooms.”

“It’s beautiful.”Her voice cracks, full of emotion.

She turns to me, wrapping her arms around my neck. I gently run my thumb under her eye, brushing away a stray tear.

“I have always loved you. From the moment I saw you, all I knew was that I wanted to spend every moment I could with you.”

She takes a deep breath, and so do I as I gather the courage to continue.

“Colors seemed dimmer without you; food tasted bland. You consumed me, Dixie. My heart was only ever full when you were around. My soul felt lost without you. No matter where you go, even if you take the long way, it always brings you back to me.”

I let go of her hand and reach into my pocket as I take a step back and drop down to one knee. I open the small black velvet box to reveal a vintage, pear-shaped diamond with three smaller ones on both sides.

Tears are rolling down her cheeks as her hand darts to her mouth. “Where did you get that?”

“The night we got back from the bar, after I tucked you in. I was heading downstairs, and Burl was in the kitchen.”

* * *

I pullthe comforter over Dixie as she lets out a small moan. I smile to myself, pushing a strand of hair out of her face. God, she’s beautiful. Quietly, I sneak out and close the door behind me.

As I descend the stairs, I can hear the kitchen sink running.

“Hey, Burl.”

“Damnit, Colt.” He grabs his chest. “You can’t sneak up on an old man like that.”

I stifle a laugh. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.”

Now’s as good a time as any.

“Can I talk to you for a minute?”

He turns towards the table and points at the chair. “Sit down.”

I pull out the chair across from him and settle in.

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