From the look in her eyes, thinking was the last thing on her mind. Breathlessly, she said, "Oh?"
It was time."Becka Burke?"
Her breath hitched. "What?"
Finally, I pulled the ring out of my pocket. I held it up between us and asked, "Will you marry me?"
Her eyes filled with tears. "Oh my God. Yes. A million times yes."
It was the answer I'd been waiting for, just like I'd been waiting for Becka all of my life, even if I hadn't realized it.
As I slipped the ring on her finger, I felt more happiness than a guy deserved.
And, as if I weren't lucky enough already, she leapt into my arms the moment I stood. "You know what we should do?" she said.
"What?"
"Celebrate." With tears in her eyes, she said, "I want you. Now and always."
I knew exactly how she felt. "Now and always," I repeated.
She gave me an impish smile. "And speaking ofnow… I don't suppose there's a bed in there?"
Chapter 80
Becka
Turns out, there was.Or at least, that's what Jack told me, just before sweeping me up into his arms and carrying me across the clearing toward the front steps of the cabin.
With one hand, he opened the front door and then carried me inside. As he did, I looked around in amazement. "Oh, my God. So it's done? Likecompletelydone?"
I'd been half-joking about the bed. With the way I felt now, I would've gladly done it on the floor – or even in the car – and considered myself a very lucky girl.
But my yearning for him, even as strong as it was, couldn't dim my astonishment at the condition of the cabin. The place wasn't just furnished. It was decorated, too.
Everywhere I looked, there was something new and beautiful to look at. I saw throw-pillows and pictures, and fresh flowers everywhere.
There was even a cheerful fire going in the fireplace.
Breathlessly, I asked, "How'd you do this?"
"Do what?"
"The cabin, the furnishings, everything."
"By phone, email, you name it," he said. "And as far as the furnishings, I had plenty of help."
"From Anna and Flynn?"
"You know it."
I stifled a laugh. Part of me was dying to tell my sister right away about our engagement. But now, I had a sneaky suspicion that she already knew, which meant that I had all the time in the world to enjoy this moment alone with Jack.
I was still cradled in his arms. "Want to hear something funny?" I said. "I almost feel like a newlywed already." With an embarrassed laugh, I added, "You even carried me across the threshold."
"Say the word, and I'll carry you anywhere."
"Anywhere?" I teased.
