Page 106 of My Grumpy Fire Chief Next Door
The wind lifts the edge of the tablecloths, salt in the air, everything lit in pink-gold light as the sun begins its slow drop.
I press a hand to my chest and silently pray.
Please let her say yes.
The waves are still rolling in, slow and steady, like they know something’s about to change. Everyone’s hidden behind draped cabanas and tiki bar posts and floral arches like kids playing hide-and-seek. The ocean's hush is louder than it’s ever been.
And then….
I hear tires on gravel, and Emily grabs my arm, squeezes once before letting go.
Ava shoots a quick thumbs-up from behind a flower cart. I can’t see Margaret or Rachel, but I know they’re close. The beach is suddenly a breath held by an entire town.
I can't see her yet. Just Parker’s voice, high and full of bounce:
“Noah’s here!"
I go to one knee before I realize I’ve moved, arms out just in time for Parker to throw himself at me. I hold him tight, bury my face in his hair. He smells like salt and sand and strawberry jam.
“Mommy’s right behind me,” he whispers, grinning into my neck. “She looks like a princess.”
I look up.
And there she is.
Kate stands just past the dunes, frozen like she walked into a dream she doesn’t trust yet. The path of shells glows under her feet. Her dress is soft blue, something light and floaty that moves with the wind like it was made for this night.
Off-the-shoulder sleeves. Fitted bodice. A slit up the side that shows just enough of her legs to make my throat go dry. Her hair is down, wild from the wind, but somehow still elegant. Loose waves curling around her face, catching in her lashes.
She doesn’t know what’s happening yet, but she knows it’s something.
Her eyes scan the beach.
No music. No people. Just the glow of the lanterns.
And then she sees me, Parker in my arms.
Her lips part with the hint of a smile.
I rise slowly, set Parker down, and let him run toward the shadow where Connor waits.
Kate starts walking toward me.
I meet her halfway, because I can’t stay still. My legs are moving before my brain catches up, and when I stop in front of her, I can't remember my own name.
“Where is everyone? Did I come early or late?” She asks as soon as I reach her.
“Hey, you okay?” Her voice is cautious as she examines my face.
“No,” I say, and it just comes out honest. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this scared in my life.”
Her brow furrows.
Then I drop to one knee.
The world stills.
Her gasp hits me like a wave. I open the ring box, chest hammering.
