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I looked between the three of them and studied each of their faces. Great, now instead of things being weird with just Mason, it was weird with all three of them. What the hell was going on? I put my hands on my hips and decided to ask that very question. “All right, what’s going on?” I moved my gaze slowly and deliberately from Bree to Sarah to Mason. I wanted it to be clear I was on to them.

Mason came over and kissed me on the cheek. “Everything is fine. I’m just going to run to the restroom. I’ll meet the three of you at the photography exhibit in a few minutes.”

“Sounds good!” Sarah said, as she moved to my other side and hooked her arm in mine. Before I could say anything, Mason was gone and Sarah turned me away from the stairs to face Bree.

I pulled my arm away from Sarah and glared at my two best friends. “Something’s up…I know it. Now, spill your guts.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about, Anna! Nothing’s going on!” Sarah said a little too quickly.

Bree gave Sarah a weird sideways glance and rolled her eyes before coming over and looping her arm in mine. Shit was getting super weird. “There’s nothing to spill, Anna. You’re the only one acting weird.” Bree turned me back around and walked me over to the bottom of the stairs. “Now, let’s go upstairs to the photography exhibit.” Bree gestured for me to go up the stairs. “After you,” she said with a smile. I sighed as I gave them both one last look before starting up the stairs. I just couldn’t shake the feeling something was up.

When I got to the top of the stairs, I couldn’t believe what I saw.

Chapter 28

How It All Ended

HAVE YOU EVER HAD one of those moments that seems so incredibly perfect you wonder if it’s actually a dream?

Yeah. Me too. But it wasn’t a dream. In fact, it was very real.

My photography exhibit was right next to the top of the stairwell and in front of it was Mason.

Down on one knee.

Holding open a small, blue box.

With a ring in it.

A diamond ring.

A really beautiful diamond ring.

I gasped in surprise as my hand flew up to my chest. “What’s this?” I whispered. I was so shocked I couldn’t comprehend what was going on. I looked behind me for Bree and Sarah, but they were gone. In fact, there wasn’t anyone else on the entire floor. It was just Mason and me.

Mason looked at me with a big smile and so much love in his brown eyes I felt my breath catch in my throat. “Anna,” Mason said in his deep, sexy voice. “This is me trying to make the memory of this years’ Spring Art Show much better than last year’s.”

I couldn’t help but let out a laugh. “Well, you’re doing a damn fine job.” I took a few steps closer to Mason until I was standing right in front of him. Oh my God, it was really happening. It was really happening and I couldn’t be happier. There was no doubt in my mind as to how much Mason and I loved each other.

“Anna, sometimes I just can’t believe how a text message led me to the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. If it hadn’t been for that wrong number, chances are we wouldn’t have met, and well, I don’t ever want to think of my life without you in it.” I could feel myself starting to tear up as Mason reached out and interlaced his fingers with mine. “I like to think of it as fate,” he continued. “You and I were meant to be together. It’s easy for me to believe that’s true, because my life is so much better with you in it, Anna. I’m a better person with you. I know we’ve already made plans for you to move in with me after your graduation, but I’d really like for it to be with you as my fiancée.”

My hand went up to my mouth and I could feel tears of joy start to fall down my cheeks. I had no doubt in my mind what my answer was going to be. I wasn’t afraid to take this leap with him. I knew that no matter what, when I leapt, he’d be there to catch me, just as I would be for him.

Mason took a deep breath, the beaming smile never faltering from his face for a second. “Anna, will you marry me?”

“Yes! Yes! Yes!” I shouted immediately.

Mason jumped up and grabbed me, placing his lips firmly on mine. The kiss was deep and intense. It felt like every part of me was engulfed in flames and, I swear, I saw stars flicker behind my eyelids as Mason’s mouth continued to explore mine. We were the perfect combination of passion and compatibility, blended with spark and substance. Everything I’d ever been looking for in a partner, I’d found in Mason.

When the kiss finally broke apart, we were left gazing into each other’s eyes as we tried to catch our breath. “I love you, Anna,” Mason said softly as he reached up and wiped my tears away with his thumb. The gesture was so sweet and tender it sent a shiver down my spine.

Mason’s hand cupped my cheek and I leaned into it as I brought my hand up to his. “I love you too, Mason.” I gazed into his eyes as I spoke. The same beautiful, brown eyes I’d get to spend a lifetime getting lost in.

Suddenly, a look of panic crossed Mason’s face. “Shit! The ring! I was so excited you said yes, all I could think about was kissing you. I didn’t actually put the ring on your finger!” Mason’s cheeks flushed as he fumbled with the blue box. My face broke into the biggest smile imaginable as I held out my left hand. When Mason slowly slid the diamond ring down my finger, I physically felt a surge of love passing between us.

The moment was broken by a voice from behind us. “Can we come out now?” Bree shouted as I turned to look behind me at two faces peeking up from the top of the stairs.

“We’re dying here! The anticipation is too much!” Sarah chimed in.

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