A diamond ring glittered in the box, but I didn't care about the ring. It could have been a piece of string for all I cared. It wasn't the ring that was important, it was the question.
“Yes,” I whispered, emotion catching in my throat. “Yes, please!”
The most beautiful smile lit up his face as he rose and kissed me. I kissed him back with a joy so intense I could barely breathe. He wanted to spend forever with me. I wanted to spend eternity with him.
A cheer rose up behind us and I remembered that we weren't alone. Jacob held onto me as we broke the kiss and glanced around.
My parents were there, cheering. Karina and Leigh Ann cheered and Leigh Ann even had a noise maker to help her. I found Jacob's parents and saw that his father was cheering and his mother at least looked moderately pleased.
“Congratulations, you two!” Katie said, coming up the steps of the gazebo. She had a huge smile on her face as she hugged me.
“Thanks,” I said, feeling a blush hit my face.
She grinned and then faced the crowd. “There's engagement cake on the north end of the lawn,” she announced. “Make sure to congratulate the new couple!”
She gave us both a quick hug before hurrying off to the north end. I now noticed a table with something on it. Katie's assistant lifted a box and revealed a beautiful cake. On the top were two figures, one wearing a white doctor's coat and the other nursing scrubs.
All around us, the town clapped and cheered as he slid the ring onto my finger. It was simple, but I thought it was the most beautiful ring in the entire world.
“Kiss her again!” someone called out.
So he did.
I was laughing and crying. My mother ran over and gave me a big hug, followed by my father.
“Did you two know about this?” I asked them.
“Well, he did come over and ask permission earlier this week,” my dad replied. “Brought me a nice bottle of scotch and a breathing treatment.”
My jaw dropped open just a little.
“Don't worry, I'm saving the scotch for something important,” Dad said, giving me another hug. He was much stronger today, and I was so grateful.
“He brought me flowers and chocolate,” my mom informed me. She grinned. “I think I'm warming up to the idea of him being around all the time.”
Jacob laughed, keeping his arm wrapped around my waist. He wasn't letting me go.
“Congratulations,” his mother said coming up behind my parents.
I swallowed hard, not quite sure of how this was going to go.
“Thank you, Mrs. Matthews.” My hand tightened on Jacob's.
“Jacob won't stop singing your praises,” Mrs. Matthews continued. “To be honest, I've never seen him so happy.” She smiled at her son. “And if he's happy, then I'm happy.”
I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding in. I had been afraid she'd still be gunning for him to marry Katie, despite the fact that she'd made us a beautiful cake celebrating our engagement.
“Congratulations,” Officer Matthews said, giving me a gentle hug. “Welcome to the family. At least you know the crazy you're getting in to.
I chuckled and he laughed. Karina waved from across the lawn. Leigh Ann already had a massive piece of cake and frosting all over her face. I waved back.
“Is this real?” I asked Jacob, glancing around.
He kissed my head and held me to him. “I sure hope so. This actually took a surprising amount of work.”
I looked up at him. “It was wonderful.”
He grinned. “Worth it, then.”