Page 112 of The Maxwell Brothers
Tyler: Hey, I think I found the clearing.
Lexi: Oh, good. I'll be there in a few minutes.
There was a thick patch of trees separating me from the clearing. I’d never been here in the evening, but it truly was even more romantic than during the day. My bruised heart gave a mighty sigh.
I walked through the trees, drawing in deep breaths and letting the fresh air fill my lungs. I arrived in the clearing a few minutes later, and I swear my heart stopped.
Tyler wasn't there waiting for me at all.
It was Tate.
For a few seconds, I forgot how to breathe. My whole body was stiff. And then I found it in myself to move my legs.
He smiled, coming up to me. His eyes searched me, first my face, then down my body and back up.
"I’m sorry for using subterfuge to get you here."
"I gather Tyler isn't here at all."
"No."
"What's going on?" I whispered. I'd been so focused on him that I didn't see what was next to him. There were a few blankets on the meadow, and on the blankets were flowers, as well as a basket with a bottle of champagne and glasses.
I looked from the blanket to Tate. His eyes were warm. He stepped closer to me, taking both my hands in his. "I hurt you, Lexi. And I'm so sorry about that."
I was trembling slightly, not sure what to say.
"So you brought me here," I said eventually, because he seemed to be waiting for a reaction.
"Yes." His lips curled into a beautiful smile. "I was advised to make a grand gesture."
For the first time since yesterday, I didn't feel like I had a weight pressing down on my chest anymore. Something else entirely seemed to take hold of me. An immense joy swept through me, electrifying me from the tips of my fingers to my toes.
“By whom? Beatrice?” I whispered.
"Exactly. And then I thought, what to do? I remembered you told me about this place, and I asked Paisley to show it to me.”
“Oh my God, that’s why Reese picked up Paisley’s dress. So I could have the evening free.”
His lip curled into a half smile. “That’s right.”
"And where does Tyler come into this?"
“I needed a good reason to get you here. Something that wouldn’t make you suspicious.”
He kept my hand against his chest, looking me straight in the eye. "I was wrong, Lexi, in everything I said. What you and I have is stronger than everything. I know we can get through anythinglife throws at us. I want to be at your side for everything if you'll still have me. I love you with all I have. With all I am."
"Tate, I…" My voice trembled a bit. "I love you and Paisley. And I’d never do anything to hurt her.”
“I know. I’m sorry I said all those things. I believe in us. I'm going to spend every day proving it to you. Being the best version of myself, for you and for Paisley. For our life together."
"And how exactly do you plan to do that?"
"I haven't thought that far ahead, I confess."
"We'll find a way," I said.
"Together."
