“Sweetheart, you can join in anytime,” I say. “Let’s get going.”
“Thanks for doing this, guys. We’ll see you both later.” Rona takes her seat in the sleigh.
Leaving the house behind us, with Rona snuggled into my side covered in a couple of blankets for warmth, makes my heart leap with love. She doesn’t know it yet, but I have a surprise waiting for her when we arrive at our destination in about twenty-five minutes.
Jake had snuck out of the house before we’d gotten up this morning to take the few things I wanted down to the river. If I could have done it without his help, well, I would have as I had to put up with no end of teasing from him.
“This is magical, Cade. Thank you.”
I lean over and quickly kiss her. “Anything for you. It will only get better.”
Most of the ride is done in silence, but no words are needed in this beautiful wonderland when I’m with the woman I love.
Bonnie and Clyde pull us around the corner, heading toward my favorite spot beside the river. Rona turns to look at me with her eyes alight. She’s noticed the ice bucket holding a bottle of champagne, two glasses sitting beside the pink roses. I just hope the champagne hasn’t turned to ice, or the glass hasn’t cracked with the cold.
“What are you up to, Cade Matthews?”
I smile at her with my stomach full of butterflies. “I want to romance you, and to show you just how special you are. I want to show you how much you mean to me.”
“Oh Cade.” She covers her mouth with her hand. “You’re very special to me as well. You know that, right?”
Nodding, I pull the sleigh to a stop, and take Rona’s hand to help her down to the ground. “Mind you don’t slip.”
Grabbing hold of my coat with her other hand, she brings me in for a kiss. “I won’t, but if I do, you can catch me.”
“Always. Just stay there one minute while I sort this lot out.”
“Okay.”
Popping the cork on the champagne, I shove it inside my pocket in case Rona wants to keep it. Jake’s idea. Apparently, Elise keeps mementos every time he does something romantic. I actually didn’t know my son had any romantic tendencies, but I’m obviously wrong.
Once the champagne is poured, I reach inside my jacket to the inner pocket for the engagement ring I’ve bought for Rona. I drop the ring into her glass. God, I don’t ever remember being so nervous before. We haven’t known each other that long, but it’s long enough for me to know that I want to spend the rest of my life with her.
Taking a deep breath, I pick up the flowers and go over to Rona. “Twenty-four pink roses for the woman who has my heart.” Passing the flowers to her, I cup the back of her head with my hand and bring her in for another kiss. “I can’t stop kissing you. You’re addictive.”
“Don’t ever stop,” she whispers.
Pulling away from her, I pass her the champagne flute with the ring inside, toasting her. “To the woman I love.” I smile.
“To the man I love.” She clinks her glass with mine.
Going to take a drink, she suddenly stops, staring into the bottom of her glass. “What is this? I mean . . .”
Going down onto one knee, I take hold of her left hand. “I love you, Rona, with all my heart. I know this is fast, but I’ve never felt like this before. I promise to always love, honor and cherish you. Will you marry me?”
Letting go of my hand, she pours the rest of her drink out on to her palm, catching the ring. “Don’t move, honey.”
She’s in tears. She runs to the edge of the river and dips her hand into the freezing water. Running back to me, she wipes her hand on her sweater, kneels down in front of me and smiling through her tears, replies, “I love you with all my heart, Cade. I’ve never felt at home before, until I met you. You’re my home, always, so yes, I will marry you.”
She passes the ring to me. “Put it on.”
It looks stunning on her finger.
Standing up, I help Rona to her feet. She throws herself into my arms and slams her lips to mine in a very passionate kiss. I move my hands up to cup her head, deepening the kiss, while she practically climbs up me wrapping her legs around my waist.
I bring the kiss to a softer level. “Sweetheart, let’s head back so you can show your ring off. Plus, as much as I want to make love to you right now, I don’t fancy freezing my balls off.”
She licks her lips. “I’d keep them warm.”