Page 160 of Butter My Biscuit

“I love you. Want to grab a coffee?” I lift mine and take a sip.

“Nah, I’m good. Let’s go,” he says.

I place my laptop and bag in the trunk of my car, and then we walk over to the bench that overlooks the dog park. We used to sit here and talk for hours as I made friendship bracelets for him when we were kids. In the summer, it was the best with a makeshift water park and snow cone stands. Harrison sits and opens his arm, and I lean into him as we watch people play with their dogs.

“Can we get a dog one day?” I ask him.

“If you want one,” he tells me. “What kind do you want?”

“A rottweiler,” I tell him and laugh. “They’re cute.”

He tucks hair behind my ear. “You know I wasn’t joking back there,” he says. “About marrying you tomorrow.”

I meet his eyes, glancing down at his lips. “I’d marry you tomorrow.” I smile.

Then, he drops down onto one knee in front of me and pulls the box out of his pocket. My mouth falls open, and I burst out into giddy laughter because I can’t find my voice.

“I’m so madly in love with you, Gracie. It’s always been you. And without a doubt in my mind, you’re the only woman for me. I love you. I’min lovewith you, and I always have been. And you’d make me the happiest man on the entire earth if you’d be my best friend forever and my wife and queen. Will you marry metomorrow?”

I move forward, falling in front of him, my mouth slamming against his. “Yes,” I whisper. “Yes.”

The ring falls out of his hand as his arms wrap around me. We roll on the grass, laughing. Nothing interrupts us or our moment.

Harrison reaches up above his head and grabs the box as we lie on the ground. Then, he rolls onto his side and lifts onto his elbow, facing me. He grabs my hand and slides the ring onto my finger.

I look down, noticing the intricate carving on the side, then lift my necklace. “It matches.”

He nods. “I bought the set years ago, and I thought of you when I saw it,” he admits. “The hearts. Our hearts. Your Valentine.”

“Years ago?”

“I knew I wanted to marry you when I was old enough to vote, Gracie. Was just waitin’ for the perfect time,” he whispers, his mouth dancing across mine. “I want to spend forever with you.”

“I love you,” I whisper. “I’m so lucky. But, would you mind if we had an engagement party first?”

He holds me and smiles. “Whatever you want, babe. Engagement party. Then, we can plan a wedding. And move in together. Just really pushing the gas on it, aren’t I?”

I’m giddy. “I love it. But, shit, I need a party dress, and you need?—”

He shakes his head. “I’m wearing my navy suit, princess.”

And he leaves me breathless.

38

HARRISON

Grace is talking to her mom on the phone. She’s been trying to calm people down all day. “I know we invited a lot of people last minute. We wanted to celebrate. Wear whatever you feel comfortable in. It seriously doesn’t matter. See you in an hour.”

I lean against the doorway of her room and grin because she’s wearing my favorite color.

“Do you know how many people have asked me about the dress code today on top of everything else?”

I take several steps forward and cup her face in my hands. “You’re wearing my favorite color.”

A sly smile slides over her face as her eyes flick over me. “You make me weak.”

“Feeling is mutual,” I tell her, gracing my thumb across the bottom of her ruby-red lips. A ragged breath escapes her. “We should probably get goin’ though.”

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