Page 31 of My Mail Order Valentine

I've been planning this Valentine's Day for weeks. After last year's debacle, I want to make sure everything is perfect.I've rented a special suite at the Hope Peak Inn, and I'm just finalizing the details with Blossom at the flower shop.

Yeah, I have a thing about roses. I love seeing the petals scattered about and seeing the happiness in Elena's eyes when she's surrounded by dozens of them. I've dropped Evie at the sitter and am going back home to get dressed.

Last year, we canceled our contract with the Perfect Bride Agency. We decided we wanted our relationship to evolve naturally—not be dictated by a piece of paper signed by a group of women who meant well. If we were going to get married, we wanted it to be on our terms.

When I enter the living room, I see her lying on the recliner. She's wearing a fluffy robe and seems to be meditating. I don't blame her. I take advantage of her being so still and take her in. She's beautiful and smart and loves Evie and me. After tonight, we'll become a real family.

I tiptoe towards the bedroom to start getting ready. Our outfits are already laid out in the room, and all I have to do is take a shower and get dressed. I take my time, thinking of how I'm going to propose. When I come out in a towel, I find Elena sitting in front of the dresser, putting on her makeup.

"I hope seeing me putting my face on doesn't ruin the mystery of our relationship."

"You're always beautiful, but I love the care you put in when you're getting ready for a special occasion."

When I see her cheeks redden, I feel a bit smug that I can still make her blush. I move into the bedroom and start getting dressed. I watch as Elena stops what she's doing every now and then to glance in the mirror, trying to sneak a peek as I put on each piece of clothing.

When I've finished dressing, I start to leave, but she blocks my path.

"Will you be my valentine, Hunter?"

I smile. "Yes, but I should be the one asking you that."

She gives me a flirty smile that starts to heat my blood and fills my head with ideas. I want to ravish her tonight after she agrees to be my wife. She moves away and shuts the bedroom door in my face. I walk around the living room until she comes out.

She's a vision in the sexiest red dress I've ever seen. The sheer material hugs her every curve, and I gulp in dismay. I don't deserve someone as perfect as her, but I'll still ask her to be mine, just in case I'm that lucky.

I approach her, take her hand, and gently kiss the back of it. Her lips beckon me, but I don't want to ruin her makeup. I need to regain control of myself.

"Baby, I'm glad we're not going to a restaurant because I would have to fight off all the men trying to get a chance with you."

"We're not going to dinner?"

Oops, I've slipped up.

"It's a surprise."

I'm feeling tense and worried about how everything will turn out tonight, so I don't say much during the ride to the Hope Peak Inn. Thankfully, Elena is happily chattering about her day and Evie's antics. I pull the car up to the Inn's front door, where the valet takes my key and hands me a ticket.

Elena waits for me to open the passenger door for her. When I see her, she is glowing with happiness. That look—just there—makes me want to bottle it. I want her to always wear it in our future together.

I've already checked in, so I take Elena directly to our room. When I open the door and let her in, she gasps.

"Oh my god, this is beautiful!"

There are flowers everywhere, and the table is already set with our food. Elena is going from room to room, checking everything out.

"This place is so fancy, Hunter. I love it."

I start to open the champagne. I don't think I can wait until we eat dinner to ask her the question. When the cork pops, Elena jumps in surprise and gives me a dazzling smile. I pour the champagne and hand her a glass. All of a sudden, I'm at a loss for words, so I just drink my entire glass in one go. Elena seems surprised by this, but her only reaction is to lift her eyebrow. She still hasn't taken a sip of her champagne.

"Elena…" I try. "Elena, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me after Evie."

Elena's eyes pop open, and I think she now knows what's happening. She stays still, though, and I'm thankful because I'm having trouble expressing myself.

"I was a fool for treating you badly when you came all the way here to meet me, and I'm glad I came to my senses pretty soon afterward." I pause, trying to rearrange my thoughts in a way that comes out coherent.

"You are my everything,” I continue. “I know you still struggle with my job, but you've allowed yourself to love me and have the courage to support my career."

I put down my glass on the table, take hers, and place it next to mine. Then, I kneel down in front of her, popping open a small velvet box with a diamond ring inside.

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