Page 92 of Until Forever
Juliette took a sip, enjoying the way the sparkling bubbles filled her mouth. Being out on the sand was like walking on clouds. Her heart was light. Her soul was happy, and she was in love with a man who cherished her every hour of every day.
“You know, I was thinking we could get away this autumn.” She swirled the fizzy golden liquid in her glass. “Maybe go on a weeklong vacation to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The leaves will be changing colors, and it could be a nice break. Just the two of us.”
She nudged him playfully and winked.
Brock grimaced. “I’m not sure that’s going to work.”
Juliette’s face fell. There was no way to disguise her disappointment. “What? Why not? Do we have a project? I could’ve sworn I left two weeks open in October on the schedule.”
“You did.” Brock set his glass of champagne down on the sand. “But we have a wedding.”
She shook her head. No, she would’ve remembered seeing it on the calendar. “Who?”
Brock dropped to one knee, and Juliette’s pulse leapt inside her chest. He pulled a black velvet box from his pocket and flipped it open. Nestled inside a cushion of red velvet was a solitaire diamond ring surrounded by a halo of tiny sapphires.
“I love you, Juliette. I’ve loved you since the first day I met you. I should’ve asked you this years ago.” He held the ring boxup to her. “There is nothing I want more in this world than to spend the rest of my days with you. Every celebration. Every hardship. I want all of it with all of you. Will you marry me?”
The prickle of tears stung her eyes and her nose burned, but she already knew she wouldn’t be able to stop herself from crying. From laughing. From wanting everything he offered her. She lurched forward, tossing her champagne flute, tumbling into his waiting arms.
“Yes!” She captured his face with both of her hands and dragged his mouth to hers. She didn’t care if sand was clinging to their clothing and hair, and she didn’t care if champagne had spilled over them both.
“Yes,” she repeated when he pulled her into his lap. “I love you.”
Brock kissed her lips, her jaw, her neck.
“For how long?” he asked, sliding the ring onto her finger.
Juliette whispered the words against his mouth. “Until forever.”
