Page 83

“Oh, that’s nice,” Hadley said to Isabel.

“Points,” Isabel whispered back.

Gia shushed them. “I’m trying to listen.”

Autumn ignored her friends and took a deepbreath, doing what she could to keep a level head in the midst of a momentshe’d dreamt of for a while now. She stood, and Kate moved to her, taking herhand. “I guess I’m wondering what it is you’re saying?”

“That I’m here, and I won’t be going anywhereever again. I have what I need.”

“And what do you need?” Autumn asked.

“It’s been pretty simple for a while now.Only you.”

Autumn blinked at the perfect words and theunderstanding that someone was saying them toher.Not justsomeone.The best person.

“I fell in love with you here, in Venice, sothis seems like the perfect place to continue our lives together, but only ifthat’s something you want, too. I’m here to find out.”

Hold on. Rewind that first part. “You fell inlove with me?”

“I did.” Kate nodded.

“You’ve never said that before.”

“Biggest mistake ever. I’m every bit in love,and standing here at seven thirty in the morning to make sure that you don’t goanother minute without knowing it.”

Okay, on second thought, maybethosewere the mostperfect words.

Kate reached into her pocket and pulled out asmall ring box.

Autumn closed her eyes briefly, wondering ifshe should grab ahold of something to steady herself, because inside sat themost exquisite band with a single sparkling diamond in the center. Oh, God.What was happening?

“I’m not rich, but what I have is yours. WhatI want more than anything is to walk through this world by your side, to startour own family together, whether it’s tomorrow or next year or in five.”

“What are you doing right now?” Autumn asked,shaking her head in mystification. She was smiling at the same time and tryingnot to wake up from this wonderful daydream.

Kate grinned, and her hazel eyes sparkled ina way Autumn wanted to memorize for always. “What I’mtryingto do is move toVenice and marry you, but then there’s that little detail of whether you’llhave me.”

Autumn didn’t hesitate. “Kate, I love you.”

Kate seemed to take a moment with thedeclaration, closing her eyes briefly. “So, what do you say, Autumn Primm?There’s a question on the table. Will you marry me?”

She heard the intake of air from her friends.Her own heart hammered out of her chest as the seconds inched by. She wasn’tconfused or conflicted or wondering what it was she should say. Autumn knew heranswer. She just wanted the moment to last forever. “I will,” she said finally.

Lots of women would have gone for the ringfirst, anxious to get it on their finger, but Autumn reached for Kate, pullingher down by the face to kiss her senseless. Behind them she heard the applause,not just from her friends but from Steve and all her regular morning customers.That’s when she realized that she’d just shared the happiest moment of her lifewith the people who meant the most to her. Autumn felt like she’d just steppedinto a patch of warm sunlight.

“I love you,” Kate said, cupping her face.The gesture made her throat tighten. Her lips were on Kate’s again.

She smiled against them. “It’s about time,”she whispered.

* * *

Kate loved the rain. She hadn’t known thatuntil she lay in bed with Autumn listening to it the next night. The chaos inher head, the regret, and the reliving of the fire seemed to have subsidedsubstantially. The conversation with her brother had been a turning point, herrealization about where she really belonged. Right where she was. With Autumn.

Home.That’s what it felt like. She admired the word and the future that cameattached to it. There had been ups and downs and bumps along her journey, whichhad been full of unexpected twists. But it had led her right here to this, whatshe and Autumn shared. The result had been worth the strife. She’d go throughit all again if a life with Autumn was waiting at the end. The world had neverfelt more exciting, bursting with hope and possibility. Her once smallexistence felt big and full.

“When should we get married?” she askedlightheartedly, as she played with a strand of Autumn’s curly hair. They layfacing each other on the pillow as the rain fell gently against the window,providing a cozy underscore.

“I’ll need sufficient time to plan awedding.” Autumn pushed herself up onto her forearms and looked down at Kate.“We’ll need caterers and a photographer and attendants and music. I can’t evenwrap my mind around all there is to do.”