Page 113 of Timber's Line

“Thank you.”

“You’ve made your decision?” he asks, and I nod.

“Is it me?”

“It’s not. I care about you, and there were times I could see myself with you.”

He hugs me and whispers, “He’s a lucky man. Just glad I didn’t lose to my brother.” He knows I will tell Axel it’s him. But everyone is playing a part.

He walks off, and I take a breath. It’s not over.

“Axel is on his way.”

I watch Axel saunter up to the gazebo, not a care in the world. He gives me a grin.

“Gorgeous.” He hugs me.

“Thank you.”

He is smiling and then turns serious, and then his face morphs into a goofy grin. He’s not looking at me, though. He’s looking behind me.

“He loves you.” Axel looks down at me.

“What?” Then he is standing in front of me, holding a basket with a big bouquet of peonies, lilies, and lilacs.

Axel steps off, but the cameras are still rolling.

“Dayton?”

“I couldn’t let you do this.”

“I was going to come find you after this,” I tell him.

“I beat you to it, with your family’s blessing, and Sal knows I was going to crash this finale.”

“He did?” Did everyone know?

“They helped plan it.” He sets the flowers down, but not the basket.

“I remember one time you told me you wished you were a duck because things would be simpler.”

I swallow. He remembers that?

“I don’t wish that for you. You deserve to be spoiled for the rest of your life.” He sets the basket down and opens it. Inside the basket are three baby ducklings.

“Dayton,” I start.

“I was stupid. I was in an abyss and didn’t know how to get out. Being around you made me feel grounded. I can’t lose that . . . I can’t lose you. Please don’t let me go, because I won’t be able to take it.”

He gets down on one knee and pulls out a yellow diamond ring. “Will you please do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

I stare at him for a minute.

“Ducks?” I ask him, not answering his question. I want to, and it will be yes, but I don’t want to break down in tears.

“Yes, we can have lots of them if you want.”

“I love you,” I tell him.