Page 253 of Love Unwritten
He leads me to the backyard, where countless stars twinkle above us, and the full moon illuminates the row of hibiscus flowers he planted last week.
“I had this whole plan to take you on another trip to Hawaii next month—”
I interrupt him. “You did?”
“Yes.” He sighs with a smile. “But then you got that tattoo tonight, and all I could think about was how much I loved you. Of how one day, I want to add another flower to that tattoo.”
My vision turns cloudy. “I knew Nico would wear you down about adopting a sibling eventually.”
He cracks a smile as he slides down to one knee. “I want it all with you, Elle. Kids. Marriage. A barn full of animals—”
“Don’t forget about the coop,” I remind him.
“And a coop full of chickens with eggs you send me to collect every morning.”
“Don’t lie. You like taking care of them.”
“I like taking care of you, and I hope to spend the rest of my life doing just that, so long as you want me.”
“Does forever sound good to you?”
His smile stretches across his face. “Perfect.” The flower trembles in his hand as he holds it out for me. “Will you marry me? I don’t have a ring yet—”
“Yes. A million times yes,” I say right before my lips crush against his, sealing his proposal with a promise to love him as fiercely as he loves me.
For all the days of our lives.
After Rafael’s impromptu proposal, he surprised me with a rose gold engagement ring he custom-made for me, a black card with an endless limit, and a request to keep the wedding small and intimate.
Fast-forward ten months, and here we are, about to get married in front of our family and friends in our newly renovated barn. With Lily’s vision for floral arrangements, Josefina’s party-planning skills, and my mom’s eye for details, I couldn’t have asked for a better group of women to help me turn my wedding dream board into a reality.
“You’re shaking.” Willow, my maid of honor, hands me my bouquet while my mom and Josefina fuss over my veil. My dress is fit for a fairy tale and made up of delicate lace and expensive chiffon. It has a sweetheart neckline, intricate detailing along the bodice and skirt, and a train that can be removed after the wedding ceremony.
“I’m just excited.” My stomach has been in a constant state of butterflies since I woke up this morning without Rafael sleeping beside me. He and Nico stayed at Julian and Dahlia’s place while I remained at the house to get ready for the big day.
Dahlia’s hair and makeup crew from her Dahlia Redesigned show arrived at the house at 8 a.m., armed with mimosas, an array of hot tools, and enough makeup to stock a Sephora.
Dahlia and Lily arrived soon after. They may not officially be bridesmaids, seeing as Rafael and I wanted to keep it simple with only a maid of honor and a best man, but they are still family.
My family.
Josefina gives my shoulder a squeeze. “Julian told me Rafael has been pacing the house all day.”
“Really?”
She laughs to herself. “Yup. He even asked if he could sneak in before you got ready.”
“No.”
“Yup. Julian had to pry him away from the door.”
I choke on a laugh. “It’ll be worth the wait.”
“Speaking of wait…” Willow checks something on her phone. “The photographer is ready and Rafael is in place.”
My heart beats faster. “Oh God. This is it.”
With my mom holding my train and Willow tasked with protecting my veil, we slowly walk down the stairs and head to the glass-paned doors that lead outside.