Page 76 of More Than a Blind Date

“It’s a rose like the other one. This one just has a few more diamonds on it.”

I cradle his face. “I absolutely love it. And I’ll skip saying that you didn’t have to because I know how you’ll answer.”

“There is nothing I wouldn’t do for you, Zuzu.”

“I know, and I hope you know that I will always choose you.” I press my lips to his. “I am beyond happy, and I want to just keep kissing you, but those steaks smell incredible, and I’m hungry.”

“Let’s eat.” He helps me up, then pulls out my chair. “Have you given any thought to when you want to get married?”

The man knows me.

I’ve been thinking about marrying him since February. Maybe even before that. But until now, I didn’t have a picture in my head of when or where. “Soon. And I want to marry you right here. I want the garden shed decked out in lights like it is right now. In a couple of weeks, this field will be empty. We can put down tarps and set up chairs. The minister can stand in the doorway of the shed, and we’ll be right in front of it. What do you think?”

“It sounds perfect.”

I bump my boot against his. “I wish it were possible to kiss and eat at the same time.”

“We’ll never know until we try.”

CHAPTER 32

DALLAS

Itug my collar away from my neck. It’s most likely nerves choking me up because the tie isn’t even that tight.

Mad Dog, who is officiating the ceremony, pats my shoulder. “You’ll forget all about your nerves when she comes into view.”

“Hopefully, I don’t pass out before that.”

Daphne pops her head out of the door we set up at the back of the aisle. Rose wanted something to hide behind so that we’d have that moment of seeing each other.

With a basket full of marigolds on her arm, Daphne walks up the aisle, handing out blooms along the way.

Choosing one best man was impossible and having eight groomsmen seemed excessive, so Rose made Daphne the flower girl. And she is playing her part well.

Mason starts playing the wedding march on his guitar, and Clint and Kent are both beaming. Kent because he’s a proud dad. And Clint because he’s been giving Mason guitar lessons for years.

Gaze fixed on the doors, I take a deep breath and remember not to lock my knees.

Aunt Tandy is in the front row, bawling her eyes out, before Rose even steps into view. And Matthew is handing her tissues and kissing her temple.

The doors at the back open, and Sage steps out with Rose on his arm. It means the world to me that he showed up for her today.

Rose is a vision. She’s in a strapless dress, and I’m praying it doesn’t get much cooler during the ceremony. I don’t want her to be cold.

As Rose and Sage near the front, I touch my hip, knowing Mom and Dad are looking down at me today. They’d love Rose.

Sage shakes my hand, and Mad Dog starts the ceremony.

Rose hands her bouquet to Daphne, then slips her hands in mine and whispers, “You’re warm.”

“Forever your personal heater.”

Mad Dog looks from Rose to me, chuckling. “Y’all want to say it loud enough for everyone to hear?”

“Not really.” I’m not surprised by the laugh that rumbles through the gathered guests.

The ceremony continues, and Rose and I hold hands as we promise each other forever. It seems fitting that for all my swearing that I’d given up on the idea of white picket fences, I’m getting married in a field surrounded by a white picket fence. One that I installed to make Rose happy.

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