Silas just finished his fall semester at the community college. He liked his graphic design classes and decided that's what he wants to do, but as a freelancer, not in the corporate world. He's not a nine-to-five guy and he'd go crazy being stuck in a cubicle. He'll do better on his own. He already has several paid projects he's working on and people are starting to recommend him.
"Nice night," Silas says as we sit in the back of his truck, our legs dangling off the end as we lean back and watch the sun set over the farm.
"I love being out here at night. It's so quiet and peaceful."
Silas glances at me. "It wasn't that long ago you wanted to live downtown L.A., which is basically the opposite of quiet and peaceful."
I shrug. "What can I say? I've changed. I'm not that girl anymore. I haven't even planned anything for months."
He nudges me. "Willow, be honest."
"What are you talking about?" I ask innocently.
"I found your notebook. The one with the lists? And I'm pretty sure I saw a timeline in there."
I sigh. "You weren't supposed to find that. I swear it's more of a list of ideas than actual plans. And the timeline was just—"
He kisses me. "You don't have to explain. It's who you are. You can't help yourself. But at least you're not as obsessive about it as you used to be." He sits back. "And actually, I was going to ask you if you'd like to plan an event I have coming up."
"What is it?"
"It's a party. And it'll probably have a dinner. I'm not sure about all the details yet. I need your input on that."
"When is it?"
"I need your input on that too. It could be months from now. Or years."
"Months or years? What are you talking about? That doesn't make sense."
He laughs a little. "It makes perfect sense."
"Silas, you need to explain yourself. I can't help you unless you tell me what exactly this party is and why you're having it."
He hops off the back of the truck and turns to me, holding my hands, his eyes on mine. "The party will only happen if you agree to it."
"Is this for my birthday?"
"It's not a birthday party. It's not even really a party. It's more of a celebration with family and friends." He pauses. "That typically follows a ceremony."
My heart thumps harder as I realize what he's talking about it.
He picks me up from the truck and places me on the ground, then steps back and takes something from his pocket. Tears form the second I see it. It's my ring. The ring he made me two years ago. My engagement ring.
He takes my hand and gets down on one knee and smiles. "I know we've done this once before, but we're older now and I think we both finally know what we want. At least I do. And what I want is to be with you forever. I love you, Willow. Will you marry me?" He holds out the ring.
"Yes!" I smile so wide my cheeks hurt, then jump into his arms.
He lifts me up and kisses me. "You know you can't change your mind this time."
"I won't change my mind. I promise. I want to marry you."
He sets me down, but keeps his arms around me. "So now that you know more about this party I need you to plan, when do you think it should be?"
I stop to ponder it. "I think May would be a good month. Is that okay with you?"
"It's great, but that doesn't give you much time to plan."
"I don't need much time. It's going to be a simple wedding." I look out at the fields. "Right here on the farm."
He puts his arm around me. "That's exactly what I wanted too."
"Then I guess we have a time and a place. I'll work on the other details later."
We watch the sun go down, then I turn to Silas and say, "So are you going to give me my ring or what?"
He laughs. "Yeah. Sorry." He'd stuffed it in his pocket when I hugged him. "Here." He takes my hand and slips it on my finger.
I gaze at the ring, remembering the last time it was on my finger. I was so different back then. I thought I had it all together, when in reality I was lost. Confused. Unsure of myself.
"Willow, I'll get you a better ring. A real ring. With a diamond. I just need to save some more money."
I look up at him. "Silas, I don't want a diamond ring. I want this ring. The one that you made me. It's beautiful and one-of-a-kind." I smile. "A Silas Sparks original."
He brings my face to his and kisses me, and we kiss our way into the bed of the truck, then make love under the stars. Our stars. The ones that showed us where we needed to be. Right here. Together. In the place we grew up. The place we'll get married.
The place we fell in love.
From the Author
This book was based on characters from the book, Lilly. If you want to read Lilly's story, it's available now. If you liked Willow's story, please spread the word by telling a friend and leaving a review. Thank you!
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Books by Allie Everhart
The Jade Series
(New Adult Romance/Suspense)
Choosing You
Knowing You
Loving You
Promising You
Forever You
Finding Us
Becoming Us
Always Us
Garret: A Jade Series Companion Novel
The Kensington Series
(Romantic Suspense)
Needing Her
Keeping Her
Protecting Her
Only Her
Lilly: A Kensington Family Novel
Contemporary Romance
(Standalone Novels)
Next to Me (Wheeler Brothers #1)
Give Us a Chance (Wheeler Brothers #2)
Can't Let You Go (Wheeler Brothers #3)
More to Us (Wheeler Brothers #4)
Still Love You
Still Love You Page 28