“We’re getting married,” I blurt after a few minutes. I feel Cash shaking with laughter. I know it’s dumb, but the realization that he just proposed to me and what that means hits me hard.
“Yeah, baby, that’s usually what happens when someone asks someone else to marry them.”
“Whatever.” I roll my eyes, even though he can’t see me do it. We stand there watching as a large piece of ice falls off the glacier, crashing into the water below, the sound echoing around us sounding like thunder.
“Where is everyone?” he asks, looking around. The whole area is completely empty.
“There are guided trips out here a couple times a week, but for the most part, the only people who come out here are residents.” I shrug. “It’s a long drive, and not too many people want to make the trip.”
“I can see why you like it out here.” His hand reaches around his back, grabbing mine and bringing it between us. “I like this.” He smiles.
“I love it.”
“No, I like knowing that people will see this and know that you’re taken.”
“You’re an idiot.” I laugh. “Will you wear a ring?” I ask. I know a lot of men don’t; my dad doesn’t, and he is more in love with my mom than the day they met.
“Yes,” he says in a way that I know he really likes the idea.
“I wonder what the kids will say.”
“They’ll be happy. I thought about involving them in asking you, but I knew that the minute I told them, they wouldn’t be able to keep the secret.
“This has been the best day ever.”
“Even with the moose attack?” I laugh, shaking my head.
“Well, that was scary, but what happened afterwards made it well worth it.”
“True.” He smiles and kisses my forehead. “What do you say we go back to your parents and share the good news?”
“Yeah,” I agree, and we walk back to the truck. The whole way home, we talk about our future, and when we get to my parents’ house, we are greeted with two very excited kids, and my parents are beyond happy for us. It really is the best day ever. I am sad to be going back to Tennessee, but also excited to be starting a new chapter with Cash when we get there.
“It’s a sign,” Cash says, and I almost laugh, but I can tell he is being completely serious.
“It’s not a sign; it’s bad weather and a lack of available hotels,” I reply, looking out the window of our hotel room in Las Vegas. We were supposed to have a short layover in Vegas, but the weather changed, and tornados have been touching down all over the south. So they canceled all flights, leaving us to spend the day and night in Vegas.
“No, that is a sign,” he says, pointing down at The Little Chapel of Love that is across the street from where were we’re staying for the night.
“We’re not getting married here.” I laugh.
“Oh yes, we are. It’s meant to be.”
“You just asked me to marry you the day before yesterday. I haven’t even gotten used to the idea that I’m your fiancée.”
“Good, then it won’t be difficult for you to get used to the idea of being my wife.”
“You’re crazy.”
“No, I’m a genius.”
“Cash.”
“Lil, I love you. You love me. Our kids are here. It’s perfect.”
“I don’t even have anything to wear,” I tell him. I have no idea why I’m even considering this; I must be just as crazy as he is.
“You and Ashlyn go dress shopping while Jax and I go get our tuxes, and we will meet you across the street at five,” he says, and the hive of honeybees that is always in my stomach when he’s around starts to move even more rapidly.
“This is crazy,” I whisper, looking at the small white chapel.
“This is perfect.” His arms around my waist give me a squeeze. “What does it matter if we do it now or in a few months?”
“Um…my parents. Your parents,” I remind him.
“They will be fine, and we can plan a party.”
“You’re really serious about this aren’t you?”
“One-hundred percent serious.”
“Okay, well then, let’s do this.” I smile, my belly flipping over.
“I thought I was going to have to try harder to convince you.” I feel his body relax behind me, but his arms squeeze me a little more tightly.
“You’re going to be the one to break the news to my parents,” I tell him, not looking forward to that conversation.
“Works for me. Your dad loves me; he’ll be cool,” he says, sounding so sure that I can’t help but to laugh.