We go a little farther until Anchor turns again. A large red barn comes into view, only it has bright lights decorating it and a parking lot full of cars.
“What’s this?” I roll my window back up.
Anchor smiles. “Our destination.”
“A barn, huh? I feel a little overdressed.”
He chuckles. “Believe me, you won’t once we get inside.”
“Now I’m even more curious than before.”
“Only a few more minutes.” He turns off the road and follows a bumpy path to the parking lot. It’s so full that we have to drive around twice before we find a spot. He pulls into it then turns off the car.
I turn to him. “Now will you tell me?”
The corners of his mouth twitch. “I love seeing you so curious. It’ll be much better if you see it than if I try to explain it. I won’t do it justice.”
“Okay. Just please don’t tell me we’re going to be square dancing.”
He bursts out laughing. “No, I wouldn’t do that to you. I wouldn’t do that to myself.”
“We aren’t going horseback riding, are we?”
“Not dressed like this. And besides, Kady would never forgive us if we went without her.”
“That’s true. Are we—?”
Anchor presses his finger against my mouth, then leans over and kisses me. “No more questions. Come and see.”
Before I can get another word out, he exits the car and holds open my door for me. I take his hand and step out, then he reaches for the roses and hands them to me again.
I arch a brow.
“Trust me.”
“Okay.” We walk along the packed-dirt parking lot then round the corner to the other side of the large red building. Christmas lights line the windows and doors and a large wooden sign rests in the middle. It reads Delia’s.
We walk up several creaky stairs, then Anchor holds open the door for me. I step inside. It’s like we’ve entered another world. The outside may look like a barn, but the inside is the fanciest restaurant I’ve ever seen—and that’s saying something since Dad used to take Mom, Rogan, and me to some really expensive places.
I turn to Anchor. “Is this place for real?”
He grins and slides his arm through mine. “It is.”
We walk up to the desk. The girl behind it wears a suit and looks about our age. She glances up from the computer. “Name?”
“Anchor Jones.”
She taps the keyboard and scans the computer screen. “Your table is ready. Follow me.”
We follow her through the restaurant, passing a water fountain, a live band, and many exquisitely-dressed guests. I definitely don’t feel overdressed anymore.
The girl stops at a table by a large picture window and gestures for us to sit. She takes my flowers. “I’ll have Guido put these in a vase for you.”
“Thanks.”
Anchor pulls out a chair and I sit. He scoots me in, then sits across from me and takes my hand. “I hope this place is okay.”
I stifle a laugh. “It’s incredible.”
He squeezes my hand. “Good. I asked around and read a lot of reviews. Nearly everyone who has been here raves about it.”
A tall, muscular man with a long black ponytail and a suit sets my flowers on the windowsill. “I’m Guido, and I’ll be your waiter tonight. Can I get you anything?”
Anchor waves him over and whispers to him.
My curiosity nearly gets the best of me, but I don’t say anything. To distract myself, I glance around and take in the framed paintings that decorate the walls. It’s hard to believe we’re actually in a barn, of all places.
Guido stands and turns to me. “I’ll be back with appetizers and wine. Would you like anything else before your meal?”
I shake my head no. “That sounds great, thank you.”
“My pleasure.” He turns around and disappears.
“Is this place for real?” I stare into Anchor’s eyes, nearly getting lost.
He nods. “I’m glad you like it.”
“Like it? I love it.”
Anchor brings my hand to his mouth and presses his lips on my palm. “I’m glad. Let’s look at these menus.”
I open the menu, and the first thing I notice is that the prices aren’t listed. Given the food choices, they must be astronomical. I want to ask about the cost, but it would probably only hurt his feelings. He obviously put a lot of thought into this, and if he couldn’t afford the night out, he wouldn’t have brought me.
We talk about the restaurant until Guido returns with a plate full of breads and some dishes of oil and herbs to dip them in. “Have you decided on your meals? I can offer some suggestions if you’d like.”
Anchor and I both already know what we want, so we order and then dig into the breads. The slices range from every color between white and black, and they’re all warm and melt in my mouth. Before we finish those, Guido brings out two salads and cups of steaming soup.
I turn to Anchor. “I’m going to be full before the meal arrives.”
“Don’t fill up. That’s the best part.”
“How would you know? Have you been here without me?”
“Hardly. I’ve done my research, remember?”
“That’s right.” I take a bite of the salad, and I swear my taste buds actually sing. It’s just a salad, but it’s the best thing I’ve ever tasted.
The corners of Anchor’s mouth twitch. “I take it you’re enjoying it?”
I swallow. “You have no idea.”
He stares into my eyes. “I love you so much, Sutton.”
My breath hitches. It takes me a moment to find my voice. “I love you too. More than you know.”
Anchor threads his fingers through mine. “I think I have an idea of how much.”
I hold his gaze. “No, I’m serious. The way you’ve been there for me and stepped in with Kady. You’re her dad, and there’s no question about it.” Tears mist my eyes. “It means the world to me. She knows more love than any kid with both of her natural parents together. You’re the most amazing, selfless man I’ve ever met. Kady and I are both the luckiest people to have you in our lives.”
He licks his lips, then takes a deep breath. “I was going to wait, but now I can’t.”
“Wait? For what?” I look around and then back to him.
Anchor lets go of my hand, then gets up from his chair and steps over to where I’m sitting, reaching into his suit pocket.
Then he gets on one knee and looks up at me.
The whole world stops for what could be a moment or a lifetime. My stomach knots. My heart races and my hands shake.
Anchor pulls out a little black box and takes my hand. “Our relationship started because of a tragedy—one that destroyed both of us to the core. We were the only two people who truly understood each other, and that gave us a bond like no other. But beyond that, I discovered you have a heart of gold and outshine everyone else. I didn’t think I’d ever be so lucky to have you return my feelings, but then you did. Understandably, it took you longer. But waiting was worth it. I’d have gladly waited a hundred times as long for you. Sutton, I love you more than I’ve ever loved anyone. Will you do me the great honor of marrying me? I promise to cherish you and Kady for as long as I live.”
Tears blur my vision. I blink them onto my face then throw myself against Anchor and squeeze him tightly.
“Is that a yes?”
“Yes! Nothing would make me happier than to marry you.”
Cheers and clapping sound around us.
Anchor pulls back and presses his lips on mine before helping me to my feet and sliding the sparkling diamond engagement ring on my finger. It’s a perfect fit, and it’s so beautiful I can’t stop looking at it.
He pulls me close again and kisses me.
We’re engaged. I’m going to marry Anchor.
I return the kiss with equal passion.
Anchor
I swallow my last piece of steak, still in s
hock that she said yes. In shock that I had proposed. I’d brought the ring along just in case the right moment struck. I hadn’t expected to actually ask her tonight. My plan had been to take her on a few dates first, since we’d had so little time alone. I was going to build up to it. But then she’d started talking about how much she appreciated me, and I couldn’t take it. I had to ask her right then.
And she said yes. The most wonderful and beautiful woman alive agreed to marry me.
I keep expecting to wake up, but after several hard pinches, I’m convinced this is really happening. It’s not a dream.
Part of me feels a little guilty about this because my best friend had originally wanted to marry the exquisite beauty in front of me. But I think he’d be happy. I really do. Kade would want me to be the one rather than some random guy who could potentially end up being a jerk. He knows I’ll treat her like gold.
Not only that, but I’d spent some time at Kade’s graveside talking this over with him. I’d told him I never wanted to replace him and we both knew Sutton would always love him. I wouldn’t have it any other way, actually. The two of us—well, the three of us, including Kady—continue to honor Kade on special days. The anniversary of the crash, his birthday, and the start of baseball season.
Guido arrives, forcing me to pull my gaze from Sutton. He holds up the bottle of champagne. “Would you like more?”
Sutton’s glass is still half-full, but mine was empty. I hold it up. “Thank you.”
“Are you ready to order dessert?” He pours the bubbly drink into my flute.
I arch a brow at Sutton. “What do you think?”
“I’m kind of full, but I can make room for some cake.”
I nod, then turn to Guido. “Bring us a piece of your best cake to share.”
“Consider it done.” He spins around and leaves.
Sutton sighs. “Everything feels surreal.”
“It sure does.” I rub her palm with my thumb. “I’m not sure how I managed to get you to say yes.”
She leans over the table and holds my gaze. “Because you’re the most kind-hearted guy I know. You’re tough and sexy, but that doesn’t stop you from being gentle and caring. You’re selfless and giving, never asking for anything in return. That’s why I fell in love with you even before I was ready. It was impossible not to fall for you.”
“I wouldn’t say I never ask for anything. I just asked for your hand. For a lifetime of your love. That’s kind of a lot, actually.”
“It’s also something I couldn’t be more thrilled to give you. I can’t imagine anything better than spending the rest of my days with you.”
“One slice of cake to share.” Guido sets a massive slice of cake between us. It has chocolate and vanilla with colorful creams inside and more colors dripping off from the outside. The one slice looks like a quarter of a cake. “Can I get you two anything else? More champagne?”
“I’m good.” I turn to Sutton. “Is there anything you need?”
She smiles widely. “I have everything I need right here.”
A warmth spreads through me. I squeeze her hand and wish I could pull her into my embrace and kiss her, but we have a table between us.
Guido says something and leaves, but I can’t pull my attention from Sutton. We gaze into each other’s eyes for what could be seconds or an eternity before she glances down at the cake. “Should we dig in? It looks like it could take all week to finish.”
“Challenge accepted.”
She laughs.
“You think I’m kidding?” I let go of her hand, then grab one of the forks on the dessert plate and fill it with as much cake as I can fit.
Sutton lifts a brow. “Are you going to eat that all in one bite?”
I give her the slyest smile I can manage and shake my head no.
She tilts her head. “No?”
“No, you are.” I reach across the table, dripping frosting and sauce.
“Me?” She looks at me like I’m crazy.
Crazy for her. “Open up.”
“You’re serious?”
I nod as I nudge the sweet closer.
She giggles, then takes a bite, leaving about half on the fork.
“That’s no fun.” I nudge it closer.
Eyes sparkling, she covers her mouth and shakes her head.
“Like I said, challenge accepted.” I step around the table and sit on her chair so that we’re both halfway on it. Her tropical perfume surrounds me as I wrap one arm around her and feed her the rest of the cake.
Once she swallows, she takes the fork and manages to get even more dessert on it than I did. She grins widely. “Your turn.”
When I stupidly open my mouth to protest, she shoves the whole thing in then bursts out laughing. I manage to swallow all of it, but not without getting it all over my mouth. So I lean over and kiss her, getting frosting and sauce on her luscious lips.
By the time the cake has all been eaten, we’re a mess. She starts to wipe the cake off her face, but I take the napkin from her and clean it off myself. Then she grabs another linen and gently works on me.
She leans against me. “They’re probably never going to let us come back here again.”
“Oh, I doubt they mind.” I kiss the side of her head. “Are you ready to dance the night away?”
Sutton sits up and brings her eyebrows together. “Dancing?”
“They have a dance hall beyond those doors.” I nod toward the end of the restaurant.
“It isn’t square dancing, is it?”
I laugh. “No. It’s all modern music tonight. They have ballroom and salsa dancing other nights, plus I forget what else.” I rise and hold my hand out for hers.
“Shouldn’t we pay?”
“It’s all taken care of. You don’t have to worry about a thing tonight.”
She glances over at the roses I gave her. “What about the flowers?”
“Taken care of. We’ll get them back when we leave, even if it’s at two in the morning.”
“Really?”
I nod then lean a little closer to her. She puts her hand in mine, then I whisk her away through the restaurant to the dance hall. It’s dim, with colorful lights bouncing all around. Candlelit tables line the wall. The dance floor is full but not crowded, so we’ll have plenty of room to move around without bumping into anyone.
Sutton turns to me. “This place is amazing. I never would’ve guessed all of this was inside a barn.”
“I know, right? And it’s even better because you’re here.” I pull her close and dance to the beat of the music. She leans against me and follows my moves. I breathe in her perfume again and close my eyes, taking in the moment.
We’re engaged. She agreed to marry me. We’re going to be husband and wife. A family for Kady.
Sutton looks up at me. “Your heart is beating harder.”
“Because I’m thinking about you.”
She beams. “Actually, I have the same reaction when I think about you.”
I lace my fingers through hers, then kiss her hand. The diamond catches one of the moving lights and seems to glow for a moment. I look into her eyes. “I knew this would look phenomenal on you, but I underestimated how much your beauty would really make it shine.”
“Oh, stop.” But she’s smiling wider than before.
I cup her chin with my free hand and brush my lips across hers before deepening the kiss and dipping her slightly. The first notes of our favorite love song play, so I pull her up and spin her around, dancing around the room without taking my gaze from her.
Everything is like a fairy tale. A dream. But it’s real. The most beautiful, most wonderful woman alive is my fiancée. We belong together, and soon we’ll be planning our life together. All the more reason for me to keep beefing up my savings account. But that’ll be after we fully enjoy the rest of our break before summer school.
We spin around the room, smiling, laughing, and kissing. Enjoying the music and each other. The night couldn�
�t be more ideal. I’d pictured something like this, but the reality is so much better. Our life together will probably be even more thrilling.
The thought makes my heart soar higher than it has ever gone. I never imagined I could be so lucky.
Sutton
Knock-knock-knock!
“You ready yet?” Kady’s voice comes through my bedroom door.
“Almost. Come on in if you want.” I fluff my hair and study my reflection in the mirror before adding just a little more blush.
“You’re so pretty, Mommy.”
I pick her up and squeeze her. “So are you, sweetie.”
“Can I wear a little makeup?”
“You’re a bit young. I think you should be at least five before we worry about that.” I wink and set her down.
“But I’m going to wear some for my recital.”
“That’s different. It’s a performance. We’re going out to dinner. You don’t need any makeup.”
“How come you get to?”
“Because I’m a grownup.”
Kady sighs dramatically and sits on my bed. “I can’t wait to be a grownup.”
“Don’t wish your childhood away. It goes by too fast, believe me.”
“Just a little blush?” Kady begs with her eyes, making it almost impossible to say no to her.
“Okay. Just a little.”
She jumps up and claps her hands. “Thank you! Thank you!”
Her excited expression reminds me of Kade. He always had that same look the first day of baseball season or any time we were able to go to the Mariner’s game together. For a moment, it feels like I’m looking right at him.
It takes me a moment to recover. “Like I said, it won’t be much.”
“That’s okay, Mommy.” She steps closer to my vanity and climbs onto the chair.
I pick my lightest shade and brush just a light dusting on her cheek, then match it on the other side. It’s barely noticeable, but she beams and throws her arms around me. “Thanks, Mommy!”
The Only Things You Can Take (Wildflower Romance #2) Page 13