Page 46 of Head Over Wheels

JACE

I watch her leave and take a big breath. I have everything ready for later, and from her reaction, I don’t think Ella has a clue what I’m planning. The past year with her has been so amazing—we’ve had so much fun getting to know each other. Once she made the move to Montreal, everything has just clicked into place, and we’re in a really good groove. I can’t imagine not having her in my life now. She has the biggest heart, and we have so much fun together. She’s had my heart since last year’s Celebration Weekend, and it feels great to be back here with her by my side.

“Ouch!” I’m jerked out of my thoughts by a smack on the back of my head. I look to see who’s behind it and catch Alex grinning back at me.

“Hey, Jace. Time to snap out of it, dude. We’ve got things to do.”

He’s my best friend, which is why I roped him into helping me set everything up for Ella today. Which is why I’m going to resist the urge to punch him back right now. With one hand rubbing the back of my head, I use the other to ward him off.

“Keep it down. We don’t want anyone else to know about this, remember?” I sneak a look around to see if anyone is listening. Most of the members have drifted off now that the event is over, and it looks like we’re in the clear.

“You ready to get started? Did you bring all the stuff?” Alex whispers now, over emphasizing his words.

“You’re really playing the joker tonight, man. Yes, I’ve got everything in my room. Let’s go up there first.”

It was really great when Ella said she wanted to room with Jess this weekend. While it’s really nice for them to have some girl time together, it also worked really well with my plans. It meant I was able to drive back to our place and grab all the things I’ve been stashing away from her and leave them in the hotel room.

Alex and I gather all the bags and head to the stairwell. Time to get it all set up.

ELLA

At 4:59pm, there’s a knock on the door. I’ve kept my hair down from the last event, but Jess has touched up my makeup, and now my face is all dewy and subtle glows. I’m wearing a red Aritzia bodysuit with my Abercrombie pleather pants and chunky heels.

“I wish he’d tell me where we’re going. What if I’m dressed all wrong?”

“Oh my gosh, Ella, he’s here. Get out and go put us both out of our misery.” Jess laughingly opens the door and shoves me out. “Hi, Jace!”

“Hey, Jess. Ella, you’re beautiful.” While Jess closes the door behind us, Jace kisses me hello. “I miss not being able to do that whenever I want.”

I shake my head. “We were together an hour ago.”

“I know, but it’s weird not having you in the room with me. It’s nice for you to have some fun alone time with Jess though. I know how much you’ve missed her.” He takes my hand.

He’s wearing all black again, this time it’s his favourite suit with a shirt, no tie. It’s a great look for him, and I’m so distracted I almost miss that we’re going the wrong way.

“The elevator’s over there.” I point the opposite way down the hall.

“I know, but I thought we’d take the stairs for old time’s sake.” There’s a sparkle in his eye, and I’m dying to know what else he has planned.

“Okay…but Jess and I braved the elevators earlier, and they worked perfectly. I think I’ve gotten over my fear.”

“I’m glad to hear that. Here we are. You go in first.” He stops and holds the door open for me while I walk through.

“Oh my gosh, Jace. Wow.”

My eyes start tearing up the moment I see what he’s done. The entire stairwell has been transformed into the most beautiful space. There are twinkle lights everywhere, so many strings that the light is soft but bright. The walls are hung with crushed black velvet draperies, reminding me of the club we went dancing at last year. There’s a little bistro table and chair in the corner against the wall. A candle is flickering, and it must be scented as the whole area smells of vanilla.

“What is all this?” I look at Jace. and he’s biting his lip.

“Why don’t you take a seat?” He leads me over to the chair and carefully gets me situated.

I have no idea what is happening, but this is so beautiful I can’t stop running my eyes over every little detail. There is a large vase with white roses, and I smell them mingling in with the vanilla.

“Ella, I can’t believe we’ve only been together for one year. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t have you in my life. The last year has been magical, and that’s all because of you.”

My hand flies to my mouth as Jace sinks to one knee. He can’t be…

“Will you do me the honour of becoming my wife? You’re it for me. I love you so much, and I don’t want to waste another day not knowing you’re mine. You have my heart, Ella. Do I have yours?”

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