Chapter 67

sixty-seven

BEN

As I stepped out of my car, a cold gust of wind cut through me, making me shiver. I pulled my jacket tighter and hurried toward my cottage. But all thoughts of the cold vanished the moment I saw Daniel standing at the front door, a smile spreading across his face as I approached.

It had only been two weeks since I'd last seen him, but it felt like an eternity. My eyes couldn't help but trace the lines of his tailored trousers and jacket. "Have I told you how handsome you look in a suit?"

He grinned, pulling me into his arms. "I wore it especially for you." His lips found mine, and he kissed me until I was breathless. When I snuggled into his chest, he chuckled, a sound that warmed me more than any jacket could. "I thought you'd ask if I'd forgotten to pack my jeans."

"You don't forget much," I teased, feeling a familiar comfort wash over me.

"Not usually," he said, his tone shifting slightly. "Come with me." He took my hand and led me around the corner of the house.

Another gust of wind tore across the yard, and I pulled my jacket even closer. "Isn't it too cold to be going for a walk?"

"We're not going far," he promised.

"That's what you said last time we went for a hike," I said with a laugh, glancing around the backyard. The garden would need some attention soon, but if we didn't go inside, we'd both end up with a nasty cold.

"Okay, Daniel, where are we going, and why aren't you busy negotiating that big contract you told me about?"

He looked at me with a hint of mischief in his eyes. "We're walking to the middle of the backyard. And I have staff who can handle the negotiations."

I reached up and placed a hand on his forehead, feigning concern. "Are you feeling all right?"

"Not at the moment, but hopefully I will be in the next few minutes. Close your eyes, Ben."

"Are you going to show me the constellations?" I asked, a bit puzzled by his sudden seriousness.

"Not tonight. The only one I remember is Taurus, and I doubt we'd see it with all these clouds. Just close your eyes."

Reluctantly, I closed them. "You say the strangest things sometimes."

"It'll make sense soon," he reassured me.

I stood there, eyes closed, feeling him move beside me, wondering what on earth he was up to. "What's happening?"

"Turn away from the cottage," he instructed. "You can open your eyes now, but don't look over your shoulder."

I couldn't help but pretend to turn around, just to tease him a little.

"Ben," he growled playfully.

"Okay, okay," I laughed. "I promise to behave." As I turned toward him, a flash of light illuminated the backyard. The steady glow allowed me to see Daniel's face clearly, but I still had no idea what he was up to. "Can you please show me why you brought me out here before we freeze?"

Daniel didn't say a word. Instead, he lowered himself onto one knee.

My heart skipped a beat. "What are you?—"

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, rectangular jewelry case.

"I don't understand," I whispered, feeling a mix of confusion and anticipation.

He cleared his throat, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that took my breath away. "I love you, Ben. My life wouldn't be the same without you. When you smile, the whole world seems brighter. When I'm with you, the problems that weigh on my mind seem to fade away, and the dreams I've kept hidden suddenly feel possible. Benjamin Harper, will you marry me?"

For a moment, I was stunned into silence. The words I wanted to say caught in my throat, and all I could do was stare at him.

Daniel's face paled, his usual confidence wavering. "That's not a no, is it?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

I quickly took his hands and pulled him to his feet. "No, it's not a no."

"Does that mean it's a yes?" he asked, his voice tinged with hope.

I reached up, cupping the side of his face, and nodded, my heart swelling with love. "Yes, Daniel. I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. My answer is a great big yes."

Tears glistened in Daniel's eyes as he let out a breath he must have been holding. "I didn't buy a ring because I want you to choose something you love. But what's in this box is special." He held it out to me with trembling hands.

Carefully, I opened the lid. Inside was the gold, pearl, and diamond necklace I'd made for The Welcome Center's auction. My mouth dropped open. "This… this is the necklace I made. I thought you bought it for the prestige store."

Daniel smiled. "I did, but not for the store. I bought it for you."

My breath caught as I looked at him. "But why? It was meant to raise money for The Welcome Center."

"And it did," he said gently. "But I bought it because it represents so much more. When you created this piece, you poured your heart into it. You were thinking of others, of giving back to the community, and that's what I love most about you. This necklace is a symbol of everything that makes you who you are—your kindness, your generosity, your incredible talent. I couldn't let it go to just anyone. It belongs with you."

Tears welled in my eyes as I stared at the necklace, and then back at Daniel. "I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything," Daniel whispered, pulling me close. "Put it somewhere safe and know that it's a reminder of how much you mean to me."

I nodded, too emotional to speak. He kissed me softly, and when we pulled apart, he gestured toward the cottage. "Do you want to see the lights?"

I nodded and turned around. "Oh, my goodness. That's incredible." The back of my cottage was covered in strands of white fairy lights, twinkling like stars. In the middle of the roof were two glowing Christmas trees.

"I couldn't find a bride and groom, so I bought the trees," Daniel said, his voice full of warmth.

"They're perfect." I couldn't take my eyes off the display. "It must have taken hours to set all this up. When did you do it?"

"I flew into Boulder yesterday and stayed with Pastor Adam last night. After you left for work, we started decorating the cottage. But we had help." Daniel raised his hand and gently turned me around.

To my surprise, a crowd of people emerged from Acorn Cottage. But they weren't strangers—they were my friends. Pastor Adam, Liam, Alex and Dylan, and Shane and Jonathon. My breath caught in my throat when I saw Riley and Eric among them. "Riley! I thought you were overseas?"

"He got back last night," Daniel explained. "Paul and everyone who's still at the candy store will be here soon."

Patrick came out last, a wide grin on his face.

I wiped at the tears streaming down my face. "I can't believe everyone helped with this."

"They all love you, Ben. But there's someone else who wanted to be here." Daniel gently turned me toward Honeysuckle Cottage.

My eyes widened when I saw a familiar figure walking toward me. "Dad!" I ran toward my father and threw my arms around him, holding on tight. "It's so good to see you."

"It's wonderful to see you too, Ben. But watch your step—you don't want to hurt your little buddy."

I frowned, confused. "What are you talking about?"

My dad pointed behind me, and I turned to see Daniel crouching down to pick up a small, black-and-white puppy. Big brown eyes stared up at me, melting my heart instantly. "Ben, meet Louis. He's a four-month-old Cavoodle."

I reached out, gently stroking his soft fur. "He's adorable."

"Louis and I will be going on lots of walks around the lake. Before you know it, he'll be chasing the ducks."

"But what about your job in Manhattan?" I asked, still trying to process everything.

Daniel shook his head, smiling. "Not anymore. I've decided to keep my shares but leave the running of the company to the chief financial officer. Pastor Adam offered me a job at the church, and I've accepted."

Tears filled my eyes again. "Are you sure? I know you love your work?—"

Daniel leaned in and kissed me, cutting off my words. "I love you more. And with your granddad working permanently on the tiny homes, you'll have to get used to both of us being around every day."

"That will be the easiest thing in the world to do." I turned to Patrick, who was beaming at us. "Did you know about this?"

"Most of it," he admitted with a grin. "But this little fellow is a surprise." He bent down to scratch Louis under the chin. "If you ever need someone to look after your puppy, I'll take him to the steamboat museum with me. Louis can be my little shadow."

As our friends gathered around to congratulate us, I leaned into Daniel's chest, sighing contentedly. There was nothing sweeter in life than being surrounded by the people you love. And tonight, as I began this new chapter with Daniel, it felt like the most magical moment of all.

Thank you for reading Summer Nights!