Secret Millionaire for the Surrogate

She leaned in close to him. “I do know. And it’s been more than I ever dreamed possible.” In the four months since the store opening, Drew had been true to his word. He’d split his time as much as possible between Sacramento and Banff, and she’d made a few trips south, too. He’d shown her his favorite hikes and spots. But this...this was a big step. Their first expedition together.

And it had been so romantic, right from the beginning. Drew had insisted on deluxe accommodations and amenities. She hadn’t ever been treated to such luxury. It wasn’t how she wanted to live, but it was darned nice on vacation.

But there was something different about Drew today, and Harper turned to face him. “Are you okay?”

He smiled. “I’m perfect. I think. It’ll depend.”

“Depend on what?”

He reached into his pocket and dropped to one knee. Ahead of them, the tour guide gave a shout and the rest of their party started to whistle as they clued in to what was happening. Harper’s heart skipped a beat as she looked down at Drew, who had pulled a tiny box out of his jacket pocket.

“This is our first trip, and I don’t want it to be our last. I want to always be beside you, Harper. I want to love you and be what you need. I want to be your home. I want to explore the world with you, and someday I want to put our little son or daughter in a backpack and go on adventures. If you’re up for the adventure, will you marry me?”

There was no other answer she could give than yes. With Drew, she’d learned the meaning of home, and of compromise and of the safety that came from leaning on someone you loved and trusted. “Yes,” she said, a laugh of joy bubbling up from her throat. “Yes, I’ll marry you. Whenever you say and wherever you want to go.”

“We’ll make an adventurer out of you yet,” he said, sliding the ring over her finger, then standing and pulling her into a bear hug as the tour group cheered loudly.

“You already have,” she whispered in his ear, ready to take on whatever came next.

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