Page 89 of More Than a Helping Hand

He’s probably kicked off a new obsession.

He grins at her enthusiasm. “People say that if you put it to your ear, you can hear the ocean.”

In a second, Bailey has it by her ear, and a wide smile is plastered on her face. “I hear it.”

Anderson points at the small box in the bottom of the big one. “Now open this little one, and don’t forget to read the note inside.”

She lifts the lid and picks up the necklace that has a small conch shell as a pendant. Then, as instructed, she unfolds the paper tucked under the necklace and reads it aloud so that everyone can hear. “If you listen to the big conch shells, you hear the ocean, but these little ones are special. If you hold it to your ear, you’ll hear me whispering that I’ll love you forever.”

If I had any doubt of being completely in love, it’s gone. Poof.

Bailey throws her arms around his neck, and I catch Mom wiping her eyes.

So often, I thought my parents were disappointed with me, but that’s not true. They were feeling my disappointment, my sadness. Because right now, I’m on cloud nine watching Bailey’s happiness, and they are looking at me the same way.

Mom hands me an envelope, and I pass it to Anderson.

“I wasn’t sure what to get you, so I asked around for ideas. I hope you like it.”

Curiosity etches in his brow as he tears open the flap. His eyes widen as he pulls out the card. “Track day?”

“I heard you’re pretty spectacular when it comes to getting someplace quickly in an emergency. And Archer mentioned that you used to race. I’d love to be there when you drive the track.”

“Absolutely.” His gaze drops to my lips, but he only blows me a kiss. “This is an awesome gift. Thank you.” He taps Bailey, and she scoots out of his lap. “I’m going to put this somewhere safe and refill my coffee. I’ll be right back.”

“Last one.” Mom hands me a gift bag.

It’s from Anderson, but it’s much too big to be a ring.

Bailey stands in front of me, eagerly watching as I pull out tissue paper.

Inside the bag are several smaller presents, and my hopes rise again. I unwrap the first one. “Anderson!”

Grinning he plants himself beside the couch. “You like it?”

I hold up the diamond necklace and brush my hair to the side. “Will you clasp it for me?”

“Sure.” His fingers touch my neck as much as they touch the clasp.

I got a diamond, just not in the way I expected.

The next box holds a pair of diamond-studded dolphin earrings. Immediately, I’m putting them in my ears. “You went all out.”

“They made me think of you.”

I turn to hug him, and he’s on one knee.

“Primrose, seeing the dolphins that weekend was unexpected and magical. And none of them were alone. They were always in groups or two or three, sometimes in bigger groups.” He pulls a small velvet box out of his pocket. “I want to spend my life with you. You make my heart happy, and I want to spend the rest of my days making you happy. Will you marry me?”

Nodding, I wrap my arms around his neck. “Yes.”

He folds me into that protective embrace, and I melt, glad that I let go of my fears to end up here.

As I pull back to kiss him, I whisper, “I love you.”

“Good. Because I love you too, which makes this way less complicated.” After a tender but respectful kiss—because children and my parents are in the room—he extends his other arm.

Tears slip down Bailey’s cheeks as she joins our huddle.

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