Page 60 of Georgia On My Mind (Southern Promises)

“But…what if I didn’t make it? How did you know?”

Hart shook his head and used his index finger to tuck her hair behind her ear. “I had a gut feeling and went with it. Even if you hadn’t made it, I wanted you to know how special you are to me. That I love you.” He watched her bite her lower lip and blink back tears. “I’m so very proud of you. I’m proud of us.” Taking a deep breath, he grasped her hands in his and lowered himself to one knee.

“What are you doing, Hart?” she squeaked, watching his every move.

He kissed the top of her hand and pulled a small velvet box out of his pocket, flicking the lid open, revealing a stunning diamond ring.

“Hart?”

He swallowed hard, trying to keep his emotions in check. “Gia, you’ve shown me what true love and passion is, not only in our relationship but in your hard work and desire to be a dancer.” He watched as tears began to trickle down her cheeks as she hung on his every word. “I love it that your dreams are coming true. Mine are too. Being together, in this city, making a new life together is a dream come true.” Tears pricked the corners of his eyes. “I love dreaming with you while I’m wide awake.” His smile beamed across his face as he took the ring out of the box and gripped it between two fingers. “Gia, will you marry me?”

She didn’t hesitate, nodding excitedly. “Yes! Yes, of course, I’ll marry you!”

Hart slid the ring onto her delicate hand before the two of them stared at each other in awe. Before he knew it, she had pounced on him, taking him down to the floor, kissing him hard on the mouth, surrounded by the sea of flowers. His hands slid down her backside and gripped her buttocks, his heart two sizes too big for his chest. He had never imagined such happiness before. He was completely whole.

“I love you, Gia,” he whispered passionately.

“I love you more,” she replied, peppering his face with tiny kisses.

This woman, Georgia Ruth Bates, was his beloved. He couldn’t wait to show her off to the world as his fiancé and eventually as his wife. This incredible, independent, stubborn, achingly beautiful, and voraciously talented woman named Georgia would forever be on his mind.

THE END

---