Page 108 of A Cup of Autumn
“But if you hadn’t left, how would you know where you wanted to stay?”
His heart swelled. “You get me.”
“Always did.”
“I hope you always will.” He handed her a present. “I brought you this.”
“I’ve been using the journal you gave me for recipes and ideas for expanding online sales. I haven’t written down my thoughts. Not something I want to look back on.”
He was to blame for that. “I gave you that for your solo endeavors, so recipes are perfect.” He fought his rising nerves. “This is something for us to share.”
*
Raine’s heart pounded.She couldn’t believe Keaton was here or saying all the things she’d only dreamed about hearing.
She opened the gift bag, pushed aside the tissue paper, and pulled out a leather-bound book. It coordinated with the journal he’d given her. “Another thoughtful gift.”
“This one is a memory book.” Keaton pointed at the ribbon bookmark. “I thought I’d start it off for us. Open to the section I marked.”
Raine stuck her finger next to the ribbon to open to the correct page. She read the words written in beautiful script:
I love you, Raine. Marry me?
Love,
Keaton
Raine sucked in a breath. Attached to the end of the ribbon was a stunning engagement ring. Not a traditional diamond solitaire, but a gorgeous decorative band with a diamond and two emeralds on either side.
Her heart pounded. She glanced at him.
He was on one knee. “You haven’t answered the question.”
She reached toward the counter, grabbed a pen, and wrote one word below his question.
Yes!
Raine showed him the page. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
His smile would have lit up the town. Who was she kidding? The state. She must be glowing herself.
“You’re my new dream.” He untied the ring from the ribbon and slid it onto her finger. “This engagement ring is inspired by the Norwegian Rosemaling pattern. If you’d like something different—”
She jerked her hand away and hid it behind her back. “Try to take it away from me. It’s perfect.”
“Like us.” He stood. “We’re perfect together.”
“I guess opposites do attract, Professor.”
“I’m thrilled mine is a master barista who can make magic with pumpkin spice.”
“Oh, I can make magic with a whole lot of other things than that.” She kissed him hard on the lips. “Just wait and see.”
“There’s one more thing I want you to see.”
She placed her hand over her racing heart. “Not sure how much more I can take.”
