Thirty-Five and a Half Conspiracies
Page 75

Mason got out of his seat and knelt on one knee beside me. “Rose, I know this is terrible timing. I wanted to do this in the spring, at my uncle’s cabin when the dogwood and redbud trees are in bloom, but I didn’t want to wait.”
Tears shimmered in my eyes as I stared down at this man who would literally do anything for me.
“I love you, Rose. I know without a doubt that I want to spend the rest of my life with you. When this mess is all sorted out, we can get married with all our family and friends. I don’t care about my job or where we live. As long as I’m with you, I’ll have everything I need.”
Then he took my hand. “Rose Anne Gardner, will you marry me?”
I nodded, my tears finally escaping. “Yes. Yes.”
He reached over to the cake and lifted the ring, staring at the frosting on the band like he wasn’t quite sure what to do. Laughing, I handed him my cloth napkin, and he wiped off the sugary mess. He picked up my left hand and slid the ring onto my finger. The fit was perfect.
I stared at the sparkles on my hand, barely able to make out the design of the ring through my happy tears. “It’s beautiful.”
Then he pulled me to my feet and wrapped his arm around my back, beaming. “You’ve just made me the happiest man in the world.”
I grabbed the back of his neck and pulled his mouth to mine. His hold on me tightened, and it was only when he lifted his head that I realized the people in the restaurant were applauding and cheering and offering their congratulations.
Randy sat at his table, grinning ear to ear, and I could tell he’d been in on it.
“When’s the wedding, Mr. Deveraux?” a woman called out from across the restaurant.
He kept an arm wrapped tight around my waist, as though he was worried I might change my mind and take off. He looked down at me, his gaze full of adoration. “We’re not sure yet.”
“In the spring,” I said, staring up at him, knowing I would normally feel embarrassed about all the attention. For once I didn’t care. I wanted the world to see how happy I was. “When the dogwoods and the redbud trees are blooming. We can have it at the farm.”
I knew there were plenty of obstacles to that plan, but I chose to believe we would overcome every single one of them. Mason and I could overcome anything if we continued working together and fighting for each other.
The waitress popped the cork on the bottle of champagne and filled our glasses. After holding out my chair out for me, Mason took his own seat.
Once we were both settled, he handed me a glass and lifted his. “To forever.”
I clinked my glass against his and took a sip, then glanced down at my ring. “It’s gorgeous, Mason. It’s the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen.”
He reached for my hand and touched the band. “Does it fit right? I guessed on the size, but they said they can resize if need be.” He paused. “I had it specially made, but if you would rather have another ring, you—”
My mouth dropped open. “You had it specially made?”
“Yeah, in Little Rock. When I had your Christmas present made, I talked to the jeweler about making you an engagement ring. They came up with the design and emailed it to me a week later. I told them to make it, and they’ve been holding it for me for a little while now.”
“Mason.”
He looked apologetic. “I knew you wanted to wait, and if you feel pressured, we can make this a longer engagement. I know it’s kind of silly to want to be engaged. We’re living together already. I just wanted …”
I squeezed his hand. “No. I understand, and I don’t want to wait. I know what I want, and it’s you.”
“I had the cake made at Dena’s. I called her on the way back from Little Rock this afternoon. I wasn’t sure she’d be able to fit it in, but she was thrilled to help. She even ran it over here.”
“It’s beautiful, and this is so wonderful.” I shook my head. “I can’t believe you did this.” I cocked my head. “Why did you look so nervous while you were waiting for the waitress to bring out the cake?”
He chuckled. “I was worried you’d say no. A few months ago, we decided to wait.”
“And that was a few months ago. Besides, things have changed.”
He took my hand. “I still want to wait to have kids,” he said, looking sheepish. “But when things settle down, I want to just relax with you and catch our breath.”
“You know I want kids, but I agree. We should wait.”
He looked relieved. “Good.”
I stared at my ring again. “Do you mind if I call Neely Kate? She’ll be so excited.”
“That’s a great idea. She’s with Mom, so we can tell them together.” Mason dug out his phone, scooted his chair next to mine, and then video called his mother.
She gave him a disapproving look, but we could see the twinkle in her eyes. “Mason, you’re supposed to be on a date. What are you doing calling?”
Mason’s smile lit up his face as he held up the phone between us. “Rose and I have something to tell you. Is Neely Kate there?”
Neely Kate appeared next to Maeve, streaks of flour on her face and in her hair. “I’m here. Did y’all have Kate arrested?”
“No,” I said, sneaking a glance at Mason before glancing back to the screen. I held up my hand, showing off the ring. “We’re getting married!”