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He cleared his throat and stood tall, his hands folded like those of any professional driver awaiting his client. I watch Charlotte exit the Escalade and look around. Marcus walked over to her.

“Excuse me. Are you Charlotte Campbell?”

“Yes, I am.” She looked confused.

“Your carriage awaits.” Marcus gestured with his hand and smiled.

“I’m sorry. What?”

“Come on, Charlotte,” I whispered. “Just follow him to the carriage.”

“Your carriage ride, Miss Campbell.”

“You must be mistaken. I didn’t pay for a carriage ride or order one. You must have the wrong Charlotte Campbell.” She began to walk away. I had no choice.

“Charlotte! Get in the damn carriage,” I stuck my head out and shouted.

“Ashton?” Her eyes squinted. “I thought we were meeting for dinner?”

“I love you, babe, but I really need you to join me in the carriage.”

She walked over with a grin, and I held out my hand and helped her up.

“What is this?” She kissed my lips. “Hi.”

“Hi. I thought it was a beautiful night for a carriage ride through Central Park.”

“That is so romantic.” She snuggled against me as I covered our laps with a blanket.

We rode through Central Park, chatting and taking in the snow-covered view. It was perfect, just like she was. The carriage stopped in front of the bench where Charlotte and I first met.

“Why did we stop here?” she asked.

“Come on.” I grabbed her hand, climbed out, and led her to the bench.

Sitting beside her, my stomach twisted in knots, and my heart raced out of my chest. I grabbed her hands.

“I love you so much, babe. You have turned me into the man I never thought I could be. There isn’t anything in this world I wouldn’t do for you.”

“Oh, Ashton. I love you too.”

“You are the love of my life, and the only woman in the world I want to spend the rest of my life with.” Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out the box and got down on one knee, in the snow, in front of her. “Charlotte, will you marry me?” I flipped open the lid.

Her hand flew over her mouth while tears streamed in her eyes.

“Yes, Ashton. Yes. Yes. Yes.” She bounced up and down. “Oh my God.”

With a smile, I took the ring from the box, placed it on her left hand, and brought it to my lips. Standing up, I kissed and hugged her tightly. “God, I was so worried you’d say no.”

“Then you mustn’t know me very well.” A smirk crossed her lips. “This is the best night of my life. I love you so much.”

“I love you more.”

“Not possible.” She shook her head.

“Oh, but it is, future Mrs. Cross.”

“Gah. I love the sound of that!” She grinned. “I can’t believe you proposed where we first met. You are such a romantic, Mr. Cross.”