Page 58 of The Assistant

“Dawson, what’s going on?” she asks even though she knows what’s about to happen as much as I do.

I take a few steps closer to her, getting on one knee as I grab her hand to hold it in mine. With her free hand, she covers hermouth and squeals with excitement. She’s practically vibrating from the joy radiating through her, and I can’t help but laugh.

“Harper, I’ve only known you for a short time, but I’ve gotten to know you better than anyone else in my life,” I begin, pulling the ring out of my pocket with my free hand. “I’ve experienced life without you, and that’s not a place I ever want to go back to. You are the love of my life, and I can’t imagine spending a single day without you by my side. I want nothing more than to love and cherish you for all eternity. Harper, will you marry me?”

She doesn’t say anything. She squeezes her eyes shut, and I watch as a few tears stream down her face as she nods up and down. When she pulls her hand away from her mouth, I see the biggest smile on her lips as she pulls her hand away from me and drops to her knees to hold me close in her arms.

I squeeze her tight before turning toward her and kissing her, feeling the joy in every swish of our lips together.

“I take it that’s a yes?”

“Absolutely! Yes,” Harper says with a giddy laugh as I back away and open the ring box to show her the engagement ring. Once again, she gasps, and she watches closely as I put it on her finger.

She wraps her arms around my neck and clings to me like I’m a life vest in the middle of the ocean. I hold her, never wanting to let her go again. The good news is that I never have to.