Page 123 of Eleven of a Kind

“Now you’ll have my heart with you everywhere you go. I love you, Piper.”

“I love you too, Gabriel.” She hugged me.

I glanced at my watch. “We better get going.”

“What about Riley?” she asked.

“We’ll pick her up on the way.”

I grabbed her hand, took her downstairs, and out the sliding door.

“Why are we going this way? We can pick Riley up in the car.”

“Shush, babe, and just follow my lead.”

“What is all that? What is going on, Gabriel?” she asked as she saw the elegantly decorated table by the water.

“This is where we’ll be having dinner tonight.” I smiled.

“What? What about Riley?”

“I’m here.” She smiled. “Happy birthday, Piper.” She hugged her.

“Thank you, sweetheart.”

“I decided not to have dinner with you. I hope you’re not mad,” Riley said.

“Why not?” Piper asked.

“Well, Cody is coming over. I’m really sorry, Piper.”

“Don’t be.” She smiled. “I get it. I’d dump plans with you for this handsome guy right here.” She winked.

“You are so cool.” Riley hugged her again. “I’ll see you two later.”

“Did you set all of this up?” Piper asked as she reached across the table and grabbed my hand.

“You bet I did.” The corners of my mouth curved upward. “I thought having dinner by the water would be better than sitting in a crowded restaurant.”

Sebastian walked over with two glasses of champagne.

“Dinner will be served soon.” He smiled. “Happy birthday, Piper.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek.

“Thank you, Sebastian.”

“How about a little soft dinner music.” Grayson smiled as he walked over with his guitar and softly started strumming.

“Here’s to you, babe.” I picked up my glass and held it up. “Happy birthday.”

Piper picked up her glass, and when she went to raise it, she stared at the ring sitting at the bottom.

“Gabriel?” Tears filled her eyes when she looked at me.

With a smile, I took the glass from her hand, reached in, pulled out the ring, and dried it off with the white cloth napkin. Getting up from my seat, I got down on one knee and took hold of her left hand.

“Piper Primrose, I love you more than life itself. For years, I insisted I was happy being single and living the bachelor life, but I was wrong. I never knew what happiness was until you came into my life, and I can’t imagine my world without you in it. I love you so damn much, and I want nothing more than to marry you and make you my wife. Will you marry me, Piper?”

“Oh, my God, Gabriel!” Her hand shook. “Yes. Oh, my God, yes, I’ll marry you!”