A lot has changed in the past year. We’ve each grown individually and we’ve also grown as a couple. It’s crazy to think that merely a year ago, we couldn’t stand each other. And now we barely spend a day apart.
After the big declaration of love in front of the entire family, I of course forgave Gray for his wrongdoings. Only a monster would still hold a grudge after that speech.
I moved in with him on the ranch three months ago, leaving Bella and Daisy the house to themselves. Savannah and I still own it, but the pair rent it from us. It’ll be nice for us to have somewhere to escape to if our men ever act up.
And also, girls’ night.
Tonight, we’re meeting the others at the Fourth of July festival the town holds annually, but first, Grayson and I are taking a little detour to Ruebens grave.
I’m incredibly proud of how far Gray has come in his journey to finding closure. He has helped me in my own journey more than he could ever know and my only hope is that I have done the same for him.
“You almost ready?” His deep voice drags me out of my thoughts, and I look at his reflection in the mirror, letting out a low whistle as I take in his outfit.
“Damn. You clean up nicely.”
He’s dressed in dark denim jeans, a white button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up and what looks like a new pair of cowboy boots. He’s forgone the hat, his dark curls styled perfectly with not one hair out of place.
A light blush stains his cheeks. “Thanks, baby. So do you,” he says, giving me an appreciative once over.
I apply a small layer of gloss to my lips, spray some perfume and grab my bag before meeting him in the doorway. He leans down, placing a soft kiss on my lips and whispering, “You’re so beautiful,” before slapping me on the ass and shooing me out the door.
***
I stare up at the towering ride before turning to the others and placing my hands on my hips. “So, which one of you handsome fellas are riding with me?” I repeat the question I asked exactly one year ago today.
I get a chorus of laughter as Grayson steps forward, wrapping his arm around my neck. “You’re with me, blue.”
I pat him twice on the chest with a laugh. “Better buckle up, Grumps.”
Noah makes a gagging noise as Grayson shakes his head at me and leads us to the car waiting for us. The ground worker double checks we’re strapped in before moving the ride along for the next people to board.
“Still think I’m annoying?” I ask Grayson as we reach the top.
“Not in the slightest,” he responds, his voice seemingly far off.
I look around at the town below, taking in the twinkling lights beneath us and the people milling around as their kids run from stall to stall, squealing with excitement. Thestars are bright in the sky above us and I soak up the beauty all around us.
“It’s so beautiful up here,” I whisper.
“Yeah. It is.” Graysons voice is quiet, and I turn to look at him, finding his eyes already on me.
“I love you, Liv.”
I search his face, not understanding the sudden seriousness. “What’s wrong?”
He shakes his head. “I see this going so differently in my head.”
My stomach sinks with dread. “What are you talking about, Gray?”
He shifts in his seat, reaching behind himself and retrieving something from his back pocket. My eyes follow his movements, and a gasp escapes me when his hand reappears with a small black box.
My eyes fly up to his.
“Liv. The last time we were on this ride, I was a broken man. I was in a dark place in my life and the moment I saw you walking towards me, I knew you would be my undoing. I thought if I was a big enough prick to you, I’d be able to keep you at arm’s length. And I have never been so happy that I was wrong.”
Tears well in my eyes and Grayson clears his throat as he opens the box, revealing the most beautiful ring I’ve ever laid eyes on. “Today, I sit here no longer a broken man. I sit here a man that is head over heels in love with a woman I in no way deserve. But I am willing to do everything in my power to become one that does.”
I sniff as tears roll down my cheeks in quick succession. Gray’s eyes hold mine as he picks up my left hand, holding it tightly in his grip. “Will you marry me, Blue?”
