Page 119 of Isla

I cover my mouth as he drops to one knee, fishing a box from his pocket. He flips the top open to reveal a band of alternating baguette diamonds and pieces of polished wood. It's gorgeous and earthy and will look absolutely amazing nestled against the ring Theo gave me.

Before I can say anything, he raises a finger, making me pause. "The diamonds are from a necklace that belonged to your mother. I took the wood from the bar behind you. I wanted to give you a ring that would have sentimental value."

My legs shake, and I drop to my knees in front of him, tears streaming down my face. "Goddammit, Dylan." I sniff, wiping my cheeks with the back of my hand.

"I would have proposed earlier, but it took a while for the jeweler to make it," he says softly, cupping my face and wiping my tears away with his thumbs.

"Answer him!" someone calls out, his voice echoing around the room, others joining in until they're chanting it.

I hold my hand up, waiting until everyone quiets down. "Yes, Dylan. It will be the honor of my lifetime to be your wife." He takes my hand and slips the band on my finger before drawing me into his arms. Cheers and stomping feet shake the floor, and we break away from each other, laughing. Dylan stands, drawing me to my feet. The band starts up again–a slow song this time–and Dylan cradles me in his arms, swaying to the beat.

"I love you more than you'll ever know, Freckles." He presses his lips to mine, kissing me gently. "Thank you for saying yes."

"Thank you for asking," I whisper, grinning up at him.

"Like I ever had a choice," he scoffs, eyes sparkling. "I was a goner the second I laid eyes on you."

62

Ibounce on my toes in anticipation as Lorna pulls into the castle drive. I wrench her car door open before she stops completely, tackling her in a crushing hug.

"God, it's good to have you back here."

"We just saw each other, Isla," she admonishes, squeezing me tightly anyway.

"I know, but it's not enough. I miss my big sister."

Lorna rolls her eyes but can't quite hide her smile. "I miss you, too, wee shrimp."

I groan. "That nickname is one thing I haven't missed."

She laughs, perfectly aware of how much I dislike it. "Youarethe shortest one in the family, Isla."

"And how is that my fault?" I ask, helping her grab her bags from the car and following her inside.

"It's not, but it's still fun to tease you about it."

"Who's watching the kids?" I ask as we make our way to the guest room with the biggest bathroom. It's the same one we've been using to get ready in since we were kids.

"The neighbors."

My brows pull together in confusion. "Neighbors? Since when doyou have neighbors?" The last I knew, Lorna didn't have any neighbors. The only farm close to hers has been abandoned for years.

"They bought the farm next to mine at the start of winter."

"And you know them well enough to leave your kids with them?" I realize my mistake the second the words leave my mouth. She's a fantastic mother, and I have no reason to question her decision. "Don't answer that. Obviously, the answer is yes. Why haven't you mentioned them before?"

Lorna scowls but ignores the foot I just put in my mouth. "I haven't?" she asks, her eyes wide, trying to look innocent.

"You know you haven't,” I say, narrowing my eyes.

"You're sure? I could have sworn I did." She drops her gaze, unzipping her garment bag.

"You're such a bad liar. What are you hiding? Tell me about them."

She throws up her hands. "God, you can be so stubborn sometimes! There's nothing to tell. It's a single dad and his two stepsons. Well, kind of his stepsons–they’re really close in age, so it’s kind of complicated. Their house burned down in a fire in Australia two years ago, killing his wife and their mother. They decided to move somewhere that didn't have wildfires and ended up here."

"Threeguysare taking care of my niece and nephew right now?" I ask, my eyes nearly bulging out of my head.

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