Page 73 of More Than a Little Spark

“She’s so fast.And now we know not to set plates down when she’s anywhere around.”

I nod and rub my finger, the battle scar incurred when fighting for my breakfast.“For sure.But I agree in every way.It’s been an almost perfect day.”

“Almost?”

I tug her forward and start walking again.“I think we can make it even better.”

Mason, Fred, Kent, and Anderson came out earlier and using the ladder Beau insisted they bring along, strung up twinkle lights in our special tree and two others close to it.

And they’re all lit up.Three trees glowing in the darkness.

Daphne gasps.

I was intentional about staying where she could see me most of the day, which likely has her wondering how I pulled this off.It’ll mean a lot when she learns that Fred helped.

“It’s beautiful.”She walks to our tree and rests her back against it.“I’m not sure how you did this.”

I cradle one side of her face with my hand.“Elves helped.”

She leans her cheek into my hand.“I love it.”

“I love you, Daphne.Everything about you.And I wanted this to be perfect.A moment we’d never forget.But because it’s December, I didn’t order rain.Didn’t want us to be cold.”I give her a quick peck, then get down on one knee, a move I practiced in private a hundred times this week.“Daphne Emerson, will you marry me?”

Wiping tears, she bounces her head up and down.“Yes.”She hugs my neck as I stand.

I lift her off her feet, and when her lips meet mine, a cheer goes up as friends and my family pop out from their hiding spots.

“Carson, I am beyond surprised.I mean, I was hoping for a proposal, but having everyone here is amazing.How did I not see them?”

“Fred and I almost slipped up a few times this morning.”I glance at Fred and motion for him to join us.“And I waited until after the sun went down.Twinkle lights look better at night.It’s also much easier for people to hide.”

Fred walks up beside us, then spins around showing Daphne the kitty backpack and a very excited Oreo.“I didn’t leave her alone.She got to share in the moment.And I’m really glad you said yes.”

Daphne wraps her arms around Fred.“I love you, too.And I am excited to be your stepmom or whatever it is you want to call me.”

“Not sure what to call you yet.”He leans closer and whispers, “Love you too.”

I wave my arms for everyone to come closer.

Daphne’s mom takes halting steps toward us until Daphne opens her arms.Then she hurries in for a hug.

Rose is bouncing up and down, squealing.And Dallas is smiling.

We are surrounded by all our friends, who feel very much like family.

After several minutes of congratulations and celebration, everyone heads off toward the main house, leaving me alone with my fiancée under the twinkle lights.

“You made the day so much better.”Daphne runs a hand down my shirt.

I sweep her off her feet and cradle her in my arms.“Once upon a time, I thought you were too pretty for me.That someone like you wouldn’t even look twice at a guy like me.But meeting you and getting to know you changed my life.I don’t want to even think about life without you.I tried it, and it wasn’t fun.Because of you, I’m more confident in who I am.Thank you for that.”

She pushes on my chest.“Don’t carry me.Your leg.”

“Is fine.If it starts to hurt, I’ll put you down.”

“Are you sure?”She wraps her arms around my neck when I nod.After kissing my cheek, she says, “My happily-ever-after started the moment you pulled me out of the upside-down car.That wreck totaled my poor car, but because of it, I met you.And I cannot wait to marry you.”

I carry her down the trail and to the truck.“Big wedding or small?”

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