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I wondered what he had gotten me, while doing my best to pretend that I was actually eager about it. Then I opened the box and smiled.
It was a sterling silver lizard pendant—a reminder of Africa and the reptile that had startled me so much that August had to whisk me away from it. Even though I was disappointed, and this was not the night of the proposal, I couldn’t hold back the chuckle of the memory.
“We will never forget that trip,” I said, shaking my head in amusement.
“Never,” he said with a grin, then slipped behind me, wrapping the necklace around my neck and securing it. “There we go.” His breath was warm against my ear, which sent tingles up my spine.
I turned around to face him, playing with the lizard between my fingers. “Thank you. I love it.”
It was the truth. It was lovely, although I had hoped for something else that was more circular with a sparkly diamond on top. I really did just need to let go of the disappointment and enjoy the evening with him because I was the one who told him we should take it slow. It was all my fault.
“You’re very welcome,” he said.
The server returned and placed manchego cheese and fried calamari on the table, also two of my favorite things.
“Seriously—you are scoring a lot of points with me this evening,” I said, reaching for a piece of cheese and savoring the flavor, then adding some calamari to my plate.
“I’m just getting started,” he said, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “By the end of the night, I’m aiming for a perfect score.” He watched me with amusement as I enjoyed a piece of calamari.
I laughed, then gestured to the food. “Don’t just sit there—dive in! I can barely hear the crashing waves over your stomach’s rumbling.”
He chuckled and reached for cheese and calamari, and we slipped into enjoyable conversation as the flamenco guitarist continued to play. We talked about my wonderful project I’ve been working on with the International Grain Coalition, the blossoming romance between Caleb and Daphne, and the upcoming anniversary party Sabrina and Simon were hosting in Slovenia. The night was absolutely perfect, culminating when the server set a steaming pan of seafood paella before us and served us each a plate.
Forty-five minutes later, we had polished off the paella. Not a speck of rice or seafood was left in the pan. Only six lemon wedges that had been squeezed until every last drop came out of them.
I leaned back in my chair, content. “This might just be the best dinner I’ve ever had. It’s just as wonderful as our first date. Thanks again for this.”
August dabbed his lips with a napkin. “Absolutely. But you know we can’t possibly leave without indulging in your favorite dessert.”
I froze for a moment. “You ordered flan?”
His grin was all the answer I needed.
My heart swelled with affection as I reached across the table and squeezed his hand. “That’s it. You wanted a perfect score. You’ve got it.”
August shook his head. “No, no … not yet.”
“Why not?” I asked.
“Because I still need to do this.” August reached into his pocket, withdrew a box, and then dropped to one knee in the sand.
My hands flew to my mouth as I jumped to my feet, my heart banging against my chest. “You tricked me!”
August chuckled as he opened the box to reveal the most beautiful diamond ring. “It certainly appears that way.”
My eyes immediately began to fill.
This is it.
It’s happening right now.
Under the bright glow of the full moon, August held my gaze. “Veronica, every moment with you has been a chapter in the most beautiful story, and nothing would make me happier than to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?”
Tears blurred my vision as I nodded vigorously. “Yes!”
He slipped the ring on my finger and stood, but before he could make another move, I jumped into his arms and kissed him so hard I almost knocked him over.
August pulled away from the kiss, chuckling with happiness and surprise in his eyes. “It’s a good thing I’m healed or that would have hurt.” He gathered the sangria glasses from the table and handed me mine.
