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I nodded.

“Oh my gosh! That’s fabulous!” She jumped up, embracing me. “I’m so happy for you.”

I swung her around and inhaled her scent. When her feet landed on the ground, I held her tight. “You inspired the name.”

She veered back, her brown eyes full of curiosity. “What do you mean?”

“Developing an alternative medicine that could heal people had always been my dream. My parents’ deaths motivated me to continue their work with plants.” I showed her the various pots taking over a corner of the greenhouse. “I’m a doctor, and I’m supposed to help and heal people. But when you fell unconscious, I felt powerless, not knowing how to heal you. All the years I’d spent studying the human body and medicine went down the drain. The fear of losing you ripped out pieces of my heart for every second that went by. Living without you would be meaningless.” I brushed a thumb across her cheek. “You were the first person to use the medicine in its completed form—the first person to be healed by Kierit.”

A slow smile slid onto her face. “Kierit? As in ‘cure it?’”

“Right on the money.” I tapped her forehead. “My smart woman.Youare part of this profound movement that reminds everyone of the power of nature. That if we spent time to study it, we could find remedies for all the diseases in the world.”

“Forrest . . .” she choked. “That’s . . . beautiful. No one has said something like that to me ever.” More tears filled her eyes.

“I love you. You are the remedy for all my needs. If nature loves and laughs through plants and flowers, this greenhouse will bloom with love and laughter. We could immerse ourselves in happiness all year round.”

“When did you get so poetic?” she sniffled.

“Since I met you. Now stop crying.” I kissed her forehead. “It’ll blur your vision. I need to show you something.” I positioned her in front of the first garden bed, which was tented with a tarp.

“Why are they covered?” she asked, glancing at the four beds.

“Because they weren’t ready to be shared until today.”

“Are you growing magical plants or something?” she teased.

“Something like that. Close your eyes.”

Looking nervous, Kiera covered her eyes with both hands. If only she could see the nerves going wild in my stomach. I’d never done anything this life-changing before.

I yanked the tarps off of the beds, tossing them aside. “Open your eyes.”

She did and gasped at the first garden bed where the herbs grew, forming theword WILL.

My heart pounded as I watched her walk to the next garden bed with a serious expression on her face.

Oh no.Was this too sudden for her?Was she not ready for this massive move?

Her hand shook as she placed it over her heart, staring at the word YOU.

She fell back a step, and I placed a hand on her lower back for support. “You okay, baby?”

Nodding, Kiera looked at me with adoration.

When her eyes darted to the third bed,she sucked in a breath at the wordMARRY.

Tears streamed down her face as she stepped over to the last bed and cried even more at the final word ME?

Chococat sat beside the question mark, signifying a new beginning for Kiera and me. It had been there the first time we’d connected, and it would be with us for the rest of our lives.

“You built and planted all of this for me?” She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.

“You deserve the best.” I cupped her face in my hands. “I love you. A forest thrives because of the trees, plants, flowers, rivers, and animals that make it come alive. You’re all of those things to me and more. I promise to do my best to prove how much I love and cherish you.” I dropped on one knee. “Will you give me that chance?”

She gave me the biggest smile I’d never forget. “Yes! Yes! Yes!”Pulling me up, she gave me a big, sloppy kiss.

Drawing back, I searched her face, grinning.“You don’t need a ring?”