Page 60 of Surprise Me Tonight

“It is time.”

“No more pretending the secretary’s just very efficient and not the woman you want to marry?”

I smirk. “Exactly.”

He eyes me. “And does the secretary know that last part?”

“Not yet.” I know it’s only been a few weeks. I know this should feel reckless. But somehow it doesn’t. It feels inevitable.

Jasper gives me a look.

I reach into my coat pocket and tap my fingers against the ring box I’ve had for weeks now. “She will in a bit… I just hope she says yes.”

Jasper nods slowly. “She will.”

“She’s the real thing,” I say, after a while. “Not a complication. Not a mistake. Just... everything I didn’t know I needed.”

“About time you figured that out.”

“Yeah.”

The fire crackles louder now, catching properly, licking up the side of the logs like it’s finally decided to show up.

“And you?” I ask. “You’ve been suspiciously quiet.”

Jasper rocks back on his heels. “Don’t know. Not much going on.”

He doesn’t say anything else, just wanders off. I promise myself I’ll take him down the pub next week and get him to spill the beans, because he’s broodier than usual.

I glance back at the house… at Stella. She is standing just inside the glow of the light falling through the kitchen window, scarf looped twice around her neck, hands wrapped around a glass of wine. She looks content. Completely settled. Like she’s exactly where she’s supposed to be.

She catches me watching and smiles, slow and sure. My chest tightens.

“Who’s up for more wine?” Jasper reappears from the house with a fresh bottle, only to be immediately summoned by Joan’s enthusiastic wave.

Stella leaves them to it and finds me. She slips her hand into mine, threads our fingers together, and steps in close. I tug her gently back against my chest and wrap my arms around her, settling my chin into the dip between her shoulder and neck.

Her back fits perfectly to me, the way she’s begun to fit into my life: quiet, certain, and complete.

Together we watch the flames, and there’s no need for words. Everything that matters is already there, steady between us.

Stella leans into me fully now, the top of her head tucked just under my chin. Her hands cover mine, where they’re clasped at her middle. Warm. Steady. Perfect.

I can feel her heartbeat through her coat. Or maybe it’s mine. Doesn’t matter. I lean close, lips brushing the curve of her ear, and say it.

“Will you marry me?”

She stiffens slightly, as if trying to make sure she heard right. Then she turns her face toward me, eyes wide, searching mine.

I don’t say anything else.

Just let it sit there. Simple. Honest.

Just us.

The light from the fire flashes across her face and her lips part like she’s forgotten how to breathe.

Then she nods.

Once.

Twice.

“Yes,” she whispers, too quiet for anyone else to hear.

“Yes,” she repeats more firmly.

I press a kiss to her temple and draw her tighter against me, my heart thundering, every part of me straining to stay still.

This is the night I’ll remember. Not the party. Not the night at the Shard. Just her in my arms, whispering yes. The moment I knew the rest of my life had begun.