On the right side, tables and chairs have been set up, as though we’re having a party. On the far end, people have gathered, among which I spy Mandy, my parents, Josh, and Kellan’s brother Ryder. Even Cash is here, which must be a sure sign that someone has died because the guy’s either glued to one of his clubs’ décor or the back of a bull.
I stare, unsure what’s going on, when my gaze catches Kellan’s. He’s dressed in a tailored suit that manages to emphasize his broad shoulders and narrow hips. And is that a haircut? Compared to his usual jeans and shirt and tousled hair, he looks so different I’m not sure this is the same person I’m dating.
People begin to follow his line of vision, and within seconds, everyone’s staring at me.
What the heck?
Someone takes my hand. It’s the neighbor’s kid—a chubby five-year-old girl in a beautiful dress.
“What’s going on?” I mumble.
The kid tugs at my hand, leading me through the crowd to Kellan.
He’s standing on a makeshift platform, cradling a microphone in his hand. Behind him, Ryder and Cash arrange their guitar and bass.
Cash nods at me encouragingly, and Mandy smiles. I think I’m pretty good at reading faces, so I know something’s going on, but for the life of me, I can’t figure out what this is all about.
Why’s everyone here?
Was I so involved in my work that I forgot about a birthday party?
I shoot Kellan a questioning look. He nods at his brothers, and they start playing.
His beautiful green eyes pierce me a moment before he starts to sing, his voice raw and gritty and breathtaking.
She chipped my car
No words she said
Left me behind with a scar
As she drove miles away
In a Ford as old as my pop
So I called Ryder, who’s a cop
Who are you,
My check torn in two
My heart in a strange place
Don’t know your name
Wish I could see you one more time
To tell you that I’ll make you mine
To teach you how to make love on the floor
Make you plead and scream for more
City girl,
I’m only a cowboy
I know this will drive you insane
But when I say I want you to stay
I mean it for real and for life
Oh baby,
When you hear this song
Better listen
It’s the song you don’t wanna miss
Beautiful, sexy, hot and kind
Just a few words that come to mind
When I look at you
All I wanna do
Happy, joyful, excited, and mad in love
Pound, pulse, shudder, throbbing
Just a few words that come to mind
When I look at you
All I wanna do
Oh baby,
When you hear this song
Better listen
It’s the song you don’t wanna miss
When I look at you
All I wanna do
He kneels before me, grinning, and the music stops—in the middle of the refrain. The silence is heavy and thick, as though everyone’s forgotten to breathe. I stare at Kellan, whose right hand is reaching for mine, while his left hand is still holding up the mic.
His magnetic eyes are on me, and I can tell he is shaking.
I feel faint.
The sudden silence is too much. Earthshattering.
My heart is slamming hard against my chest, and I realize tears have gathered in my eyes. I’m shaking too.
I know what he is about to do, but I can’t grasp the meaning of it.
My dream is so close, I can almost taste it, and yet it feels so far out of reach, it might as well be just that—
Only a dream.
“Ava, I love you,” Kellan says into the mic, his deep voice steady, beautiful, penetrating every layer of my soul. “That day you damaged my car, that’s the night I first wanted you. When I asked you to stay, I thought that would be all I’d ever want. I thought what I felt for you would pass. But I was wrong. I want you more than ever. I want you with me, by my side. I want to wake up next to you every morning for the rest of my life. I asked our families to be here so they can witness the most important day of my life. It’s the day I want to tell you that I belong to you, and you would make me the happiest man alive if you became mine.”
Pausing, he reaches inside his pocket to retrieve a black velvet box and opens it.
My heart throbs. Metaphorically drops. If I looked down, I’m sure I would find it at my feet. The ring is so beautiful it takes my breath away. I look up from the sparkling diamond to his eyes. They’re shimmering with emotion. Fear. Happiness. Anticipation.
This is his moment, our moment.
“Ava.” His voice is slightly choked now. “Will you marry me?”
I’m happy and overwhelmed. I clasp my hand in front of my mouth. My heart screams yes, but I’m having trouble pushing that sound out of my lungs. I just nod before I finally croak out, “God, yes. Yes. Yes.”