Page 43 of One Whopper of a Love Story

“What?” I tilted my head to look at him.

He pulled into his driveway, then pulled my fingers to his lips. “Stop carrying candy in your purse. Please.”

“This was the only time—”

His brown eyes darkened. “I can’t always keep you safe, but that won’t stop me from trying. Please.”

“Okay.” I unbuckled my seat belt and hugged him as soon as he opened my door..

After an extra-long hug and a few kisses, he helped me out. “And I’d say what we have is better than good. How are you feeling? Any better?”

“I feel mostly fine. Just a bit jittery and a little sleepy, which is a strange combination.”

“Let’s get some food in you.”

“And dessert.” I bumped his shoulder.

The look he gave me made my toes go numb, and walking was more difficult with numb toes. Luckily, when I stumbled, his arm was around my waist in half a second.

“Careful, sweetheart, I don’t want to have to take you back to the hospital tonight. I have other plans.”

Now I couldn’t even feel my feet.

He swung open the front door and waited for me to step inside.

I dropped my purse and kicked off my sandals. “What do you want to—”

The lights came on as a small crowd shouted, “Surprise!”

“Happy birthday, Layla.” Nico’s voice came out gravelly and yummy sounding.

I spun to hug him but gasped when I saw him.

Nico was on one knee, and he held a small velvet box. “Layla Tucker, I had a whole afternoon and evening planned, but this was the moment I was looking forward to the most. Months ago when I pulled over to rescue a mermaid on the side of the road, I had no idea that stopping would flip my world upside down and turn everything into sunshine and rainbows. I love talking to you, working out with you, and having you wrapped in my arms. Mostly, I love spending time with you. Will you spend all your tomorrows with me? Will you marry me?” His hand shook as he moved the box toward me.

“Oh, Nico. Yes.” I slipped my arms around his neck and buried my face in his shoulder.

Cheers filled the room.

He stood, lifting me off my feet. “I love you, Layla. Your giggles. Your spontaneity. I love all of it.”

“I need to tell you something, and it’s okay for you to laugh.”

He pulled back far enough to look me in the eye but didn’t put me down. “What?”

“My frog—did you get him? He didn’t get left in the grass, did he? I can’t lose him.”

“I made sure your frog prince made it into your purse.”

Ignoring our audience, I brushed my lips on Nico’s neck. “Good. I thought I was going to have to launch a search.”

“Is that what you were going to tell me?”

“No.” I dropped my voice to the softest whisper I could manage so that no one else could hear. “My frog’s name is Prince Nicolaus. He was named long before I met you.”

He grinned. “Just more evidence that we’re living a fairy tale. Mind if I put you down and slide this ring on your finger? The way things are going, forest animals might start singing.”

“Okay, but first...” I cradled his face and kissed him. “I’ll always want one more kiss.”

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