Page 351 of The Maxwell Brothers
"How would you know?"
A corner of his mouth lifted. "I helped your dad."
"Wait, what? That doesn't sound like you."
He reached for the hedge, taking the box.
"Hey, that’s my gift. I'm supposed to open it."
"It's the kind of gift someone else opens for you, babe." He was smiling at me now but seemed nervous.
Huh?
Before I realized what was happening, he went down on one knee, holding the box open. It was only then that the pieces started coming together. The gift bag, the small jewelry bag. And oh my goodness, he’d arranged the scavenger hunt so he could propose?
He cleared his throat. "Liz, I wanted to ask you to be my wife in this place that means so much to you. You're an amazing woman, and I want to spend my life with you. I love your ability to smile, even on hard days, and fight for what you want. You're wonderful, kind, and I love you so damn much. Will you be my wife?"
I shifted my weight from one leg to the other, unable to stand still. Euphoria poured through my veins.
"Yes. I love you, Declan, with all my heart. This means so much to me. Who knew my grumpy lawyer could be so romantic?"
"Hey, don't tell anyone. I need my reputation intact," he said, rising to his feet as we both put the ring on my finger. It was a white diamond surrounded by smaller ones.
"Don't worry, your secret is safe with me.” I squealed. “God, Declan, I love you so much."
"I love you too, babe. You make me so happy every day. You’ve changed me.”
"Some things I couldn't change. You still hate dancing in the mornings."
"I said you're amazing, not a miracle worker. But I'm ready to change my mind on mornings. As long as you’re next to me when I wake up."
"Wow, you are truly romantic."
He smiled. "I try my best. And right now, I want to kiss you like there's no tomorrow."
My eyes widened. "You can't do that. My parents are here."
"I know. The flaw in my plan. I didn't think about that. I wanted to propose in a place that’s special to you."
I put my hands around his neck, lifting on my toes and giving him a chaste kiss.
"That's all you get," I murmured against his lips.
"Bad move," he said. "That makes me want you more."
"Later," I murmured.
"Later. When you'll be all mine."
He put an arm around my shoulders, and we walked together toward the house. That was when I realized Rose and Mark were next to my parents without any prizes.
"Wait a second," I said as we approached the porch. "I was the only one with a scavenger hunt?"
"We were the decoys," Rose said proudly.
"It would have been too obvious if I’d set it up just for you," Dad said.
I smiled as Declan took my hand. " So this was a collaborative effort."
