Page 130 of Bargain With the Boss

The trip around the lake was a short one. The sun was just cresting over the water as I pulled up to Lakeview Terrace.

A lot of work had been done in the last few months. The stone face was done, lending a sturdy silhouette to the dream Jude, Gavin, and I’d had for so long.

But it was the hill leading to the beach I was interested in.

Her words from that day at the food truck had stayed with me. She’d been so busy with the plans for her business that I hadn’t wanted to bother her with the landscaping.

Hopefully, I’d gotten it right with a local guy from Kensington Square.

“Oh, my God. You guys have done so much since the last time I’d been here.” She grabbed my hand on my shifter. “It looks amazing. Thanks for sharing it with me.”

“Just wait.”

I parked at the back of the building for maximum effect and went around to open her door. She was frowning but took my hand and let me lead her around the front of the building.

The red maple was the star of the show, and we had a dozen picnic tables and Adirondack chairs ordered for when weactually opened, but right now one lone white oak picnic table sat under the tree.

Sydney’s idea for long grasses and wildflowers to prevent erosion on the hill had been perfect.

She gasped as the hill came into view. “Xavier,” she said softly.

“Key Landscaping finished up the stairs yesterday.”

Her hand went to her mouth. “You went with the sandstone.”

“Yep. You were right on that one. And everything, really. Key said it would weather beautifully with the wind and spray off the water.”

Her eyes were shiny when she looked up at me with a wide smile. “Of course I was.”

I laughed and slipped an arm around her waist. “Shall we?”

Just as we crested the stairs the sun looked like it was rising right out of the water. The sky was a blush pink and soft butter yellow on the still water. A few boats dotted the lake, and a single sailboat was making a sunrise glide through the water.

She trailed her fingers through a few blades of the tall grasses as we got to the top of the hill. Then she went right to the picnic table that was a little damp with the morning dew. “It’s just perfect. You know, this is exactly what I saw in my head when we first…” She trailed off as she turned to find me down on one knee.

“I have a little question for you.”

Her eyes filled.

“I know it’s quick, but I really can’t wait any longer to spend my life with you and our little girl.” I popped the ring box open and the simple three stones glittered in the early morning light.

She covered her mouth as the tears fell.

“I know we’re still building here and Rooted In Love, but I want to do it all with you as your husband. Marry me, Duchess.”

She nodded and held out her left hand, letting me slide the ring onto her finger. She waggled her fingers lightly making the diamonds flash.

I rose and gathered her in. “I need those words.”

“Yes.” She wrapped her arms around my neck. “I’m such a risk, Xavier. A new business on top of a new baby. You?—”

I cut her off. “The best risk ever. I love you.”

I could taste her tears as I kissed her and felt her smile building.

I lifted her off her feet and twirled her around under the tree next to the building we’d both fought to get started.

Her laughter lifted and I crushed her to me.