Creed’s cheeks went pink, and he gave Carol a soft smile. “Thanks.”
Patrick helped Creed into the house and into his room while Ridge stayed on the couch with me.
I looked over at him, “You don’t want to go inside yet?”
He shook his head, “Not yet.”
He got off the couch, lit a fire in the small fire pit in front of us, and then turned on the lights in the house, leaving only the fairy lights on the patio and the fire to illuminate it.
The mountains looked amazing at night, and the stars shone above us. Ridge’s house was high enough above the valley that you could see it without the lights from the city interfering.
He walked over to me, then shocked me when he sank to one knee in front of me.
I sat up straight, “Ridge?”
He smiled at me, reaching for my hand with both of his, “Kresslee, my love. The woman I waited for my entire life. You are my everything. My every hope, dream, and wish. I love you more than I thought it was possible. Marry me. Make my dreams come true. Please be mine. My wife.”
He pulled out a box, opening it as I gasped when I saw the ring nestled inside.
The base of the ring resembled vines, with little blue aquamarine stones embedded in them, and a large pear-shaped blue aquamarine stone at its center.
It suited me. I loved it. I looked at Ridge, who waited as I stared down at him.
I was speechless.
I finally snapped out of the shock I was in before nodding.
“Yes, Ridge! Yes, I will marry you.”
He stood, taking my mouth in a kiss, and I wrapped my arms around his neck as he lifted me from my feet with one of his strong arms.
We heard clapping from inside the house, and I pulled back from the kiss to see everyone standing in the kitchen, Carol with her hands to her mouth, tears streaming down her cheeks.
I laughed as they all rushed out, Creed taking his time with his crutches.
Carol hugged me tightly, then hugged Ridge, who laughed as his dad and grandpa hugged him at the same time.
Creed hobbled over to me and said, “Congratulations.”
I hugged my brother, “Thank you. You better walk me down the aisle.”
He kissed my cheek, “I wouldn’t miss it.”
He let Ridge hug me, then Ridge put the ring on my finger.
Carol leaned in, “He bought that after he graduated from college.”
I looked over at him, “You did?”
Ridge nodded, “I did. I told you that I made all my choices with you in mind.”
I jumped into his arms, kissing him.
Carol cleared her throat, “Now it’s really time for us to leave.”
Ridge chuckled against my lips, then watched as everyone really left.
He pulled back from me, lifting his hand, running his thumb over my bottom lip.
