“I didn’t think I was the type to get down on one knee and ask somebody to spend the rest of her life with me, but dammit, Sawyer—you’ve got a way with me. And I can’t live without it.”
Happy tears filled my eyes.
He grinned at me. “You gonna give me that hand, or do I have to come get it?”
Laughing, I held out my left hand. “It’s yours.”
He slipped the beautiful, classic solitaire on my finger and kept my hand in his. “What do you say, Sawyer? Want to change your name to mine?”
“Meg McCormick,” I said softly, wanting to weep and shout for joy at the same time. “I like it.”
“Does that mean you’ll marry me?”
“Yes,” I said, unable to stop laughing even as the tears fell. “Yes!”
He stood up and embraced me, and people around us cheered. But we only kissed for one blissful moment before our families accosted us with hugs and tears and jubilant congratulations.
“Did you guys know?” I asked my sisters, all four of us wiping our eyes.
“I had a feeling,” April said, “but I didn’t know for sure.”
“I was clueless!” Frannie exclaimed.
“I was clueless too,” added Chloe. “But it was the best surprise ever!”
“It was,” I agreed.
“Another wedding to plan.” Frannie poked April’s shoulder. “You up for it?”
“Of course.” April beamed at me. “Just don’t ask me to get you a cake made out of Twinkies.”
I gasped. “That is an awesome idea!”
Noah came over and was accosted by my sisters, who all wanted to hug and kiss him. Then his family came over, with tears in their eyes and huge smiles and heartfelt congratulations. I was thrilled they were all here to share this day with us, but I was also dying to get him alone.
When it finally happened, back at home in our kitchen, he put his arms around me and held me tight.
“I’m so proud of you,” he said. “I hope you know that.”
“I do. Thank you for everything. Today was a dream come true.” I held out my hand behind his shoulder and peeked at the ring he’d given me. “I can’t believe I’m going to be your wife.”
“Me neither. Can I still call you Sawyer, even after you change your name?”
I laughed. “Call me any name you want. Just call me yours.”
“I will.” He hugged me so close I felt his heart beat against my chest. “Now. And always.”
THE END