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She loved the way he was looking at the ring as he held her hand in his palm, his index finger tracing along the ring’s band.
“I can’t believe we’re engaged. Already.” She looked into his eyes. “Is it too soon? Are we rushing things? You said yourself, it’s only been a month.”
He shook his head. “I’m ready to be your husband.” He tightened his grip on her, pulling her flush against him again, leaning in for more kisses. But they were soon interrupted by a loud whinny from Charisma, which had them laughing.
“All right, girl. I know you want attention too.” She climbed off of Sebastian’s lap and went to her horse, rubbing along Charisma’s neck, while Sebastian brought Buddy in, put away the saddle, and got him tucked in his stall for the night.
Genevieve stepped into the center of the barn and gazed up at all the lights. “They look a little like fireflies.” The place felt magical. “What made you decide to propose here?”
Sebastian came to stand facing her. “Well, I know you and your dad bonded over the horses, and riding with him was special to you. I thought being here, asking in front of Charisma, could be my way of asking for his blessing.” He glanced back at her horse. “And Charisma’s.”
She felt tears threatening again and took hold of his hands. “My dad would have loved you, Sebastian. And I know if he was still here, he would have welcomed you into our family with open arms. He had the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever known.”
“I wish I’d known him.” He squeezed her hands.
“Your sister told me that same thing about you once.”
“What?”
“That you had the biggest heart of anyone she knew.”
He gave her the cute closed-mouth smile she had come to love. The one he gave when he was shy about a compliment or humble over a great accomplishment.
“She was right. I’ve never known a man with such a loving, giving heart.”
“Then you’re going to love me even more after you hear what I have to say next.”
Her brow furrowed. “More surprises?” The thought made her giddy. Everything about tonight had been so unexpected.
“I know it’s not normal for the groom to tell the bride what he’s getting her for her wedding gift, but I thought you’d want to know that I’m making a sizable donation to the Horse Rescue in your name.”
Her jaw dropped. “Sebastian.”
“What good is all this money if we don’t use it to help others.”
Tears filled her eyes again. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Just say you love me.”
She smiled and stood on her tiptoes to place a soft kiss on his lips. “I love you.”
He wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her off the ground. “Think of all the good we’ll do together.”
Her heart was overwhelmed with love for this man, who gave without a second thought just to make her happy. She couldn’t believe she almost let him go.
TWENTY-NINE
You haven’t told me where you’re taking me today.” Genevieve lifted her left hand and admired her ring.
“It’s a surprise.”
“Another surprise? I don’t know if anything can top last night.”
Sebastian took her hand in his and brought it to his lips, gently kissing her finger just below the diamond. Never had he felt more proud than seeing her wear that ring, showing the world she was his.
He drove the car up his parents’ driveway. This was the first time he had brought Genevieve here, and he didn’t have to tell her where they were. The look on her face told him that she already knew.
“Your parents’ house?”