“Speaking of fun, congrats on your big sale.” Bill opened a mini bag of Skittles and popped a couple in his mouth. “Saw Nick Copeland today at the body shop. He’s glad they didn’t sell to Wade, especially considering the new owner’s plans for the land.”
“Oh?” Kelsey’s gaze flew to Bill. “The lawyer was all cloak-and-dagger, so I never heard a single word about the mysterious buyer or its plans.”
“Apparently the buyer plans to build a community park with a few athletic fields and a playground, maybe more.”
Kelsey’s mind replayed a conversation she’d had with Trip at the Mineshaft a few weeks ago. That spot would be a great place for a sports park, with unpaved parking, a football field, baseball diamond, a playground, and maybe even a skateboard park.
It couldn’t be a coincidence, but how? I have money. Serious money.
“Hey, Kels.” Bill touched her shoulder. “You okay? You look peaked.”
She waved him off, despite feeling woozy. “I’m fine, sorry. I just . . . I don’t know what happened.”
“You looked like you were about to swoon.” He chuckled. “Who knew a park would get you so excited?”
“Hardly.” She lied. “I’m just tired. It’s been a busy week. So, did Nick ever meet the principal?”
It had to be Trip. What other buyer would be so confident that the “Concerned Citizen” wouldn’t pick another fight?
“No. Everyone’s been guessing, but what makes the most sense is that it’s someone who owns a vacation home here and wants to keep a low profile. I say who cares, right?”
Kelsey’s thoughts spun. Had Trip spent six million dollars to make up for the commission he knew she’d lost? Was this the latest in a line of gifts, starting with Cowboy, he’d bought to make her happy?
“Bill, is that you?” Maura called from the entry. “Let’s hustle!”
“Got to go.” Bill kissed Kelsey’s forehead. “Thanks again.”
She was following behind him to say good-bye to the group when she heard Fee’s excited holler, “Prince Charming!”
“Princess Fiona, how lovely to see you again.” Trip’s deep voice rumbled down the hallway, temporarily stopping Kelsey in her tracks. Her mind went blank, but curiosity drove her to take the final steps toward the door.
She fanned herself to cool down.
When she came face-to-face with Trip, she saw him wearing a ridiculous-looking satin Prince Charming costume. The arms of the white jacket were far too short, as were the horrible royal-blue satin pants. He held a toy unicorn-head-on-a-stick in one hand and a bag in the other.
Her jaw slackened, but she managed not to drop the candy bowl. Through a haze, she asked, “What are you doing here?”
“Looking for you. Glad to see you in your princess outfit.” He grinned, dazzling green eyes sparkling at her. Then he bent to Fee and handed her the unicorn. “This is for you.”
Kelsey blinked absently, her heart unable to keep a steady beat. “How’d you know where to find me?”
“Avery.”
Kelsey’s mind couldn’t make sense of anything except for the fact that Bill and Maura were now staring at the two of them. “Why are you dressed like that?”
“Trying to live up to the title Fee gave me.” He nodded at Maura and Bill.
Kelsey’s body grew tingly, her head gauzy. “Why?”
“I thought we’d be alone, but maybe it’s better your family’s still here.” He retrieved a shoebox from the bag and got down on his knees. “These are for you.”
Kelsey handed the bowl of candy to Maura while he opened the box. Inside was a pair of crystal-encrusted Jimmy Choo bridal shoes. Suddenly dizzy, eyes watering, she grabbed the doorframe to steady herself. His smile suggested he enjoyed rendering her speechless.
Trip held out his hand for her foot, which she gave him. He replaced her shoe with one of the new ones. “Perfect fit.”
“Like Cinderella, Mommy!” Fee interrupted.
“Shh!” Maura tugged Fee against her side.
When he finished replacing the other shoe, he stood and placed his hand in his pocket to retrieve another surprise. “I hope this fits perfectly, too.”
Kelsey’s body began quaking the instant she saw the tiny black velvet box in his hand. Her knuckles were turning white from the death grip on the door. When she looked into his eyes, she almost cried.
“When you told me you loved me, I should have dropped to my knees right then and there.” A thin line of perspiration formed along his brow, but he pressed on. “I’m sorry I didn’t, but I’m more sorry I never gave you what you needed, when you were giving me everything I never even knew I wanted. But if you meant what you said, and if I haven’t blown it already by being a moron, I’m hoping you’ll let me make that up to you today, and every day from now on. I love you, Kelsey Callihan. Will you marry me?”