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“Um, hello. This is Colt Mathews in room thirteen twenty-seven.”
“Yes, Mr. Mathews. We have that gondola waiting if you are ready.”
My adrenaline immediately rushed through my body. This was the first step.
“Perfect, on our way now.” Hanging up the phone, I dragged in a deep breath and held it for a moment in an attempt to calm my beating heart down.
Walking back out into the living room I reached for her hand. Giving me a sexy grin, Lauren slid off the bar stool and allowed me to guide her out the door. Making our way down to the plaza, Lauren snuggled into my side.
“Are you sure you’re not too tired? I don’t want you to overdo anything, Lauren.”
Letting out a chuckle, Lauren shook her head. “I promise, I’m not tired. I’m too excited to sleep right now, and I promise if I get to feeling bad, I’ll let you know.”
As we made our way over to where the gondola waited for us, I wrapped my arm around Lauren’s waist. Lauren went on and on about how Grace and Meg would go out of their minds with all the stores there. Nodding to the gondolier, he smiled and reached his hand out for mine. “Mr. Mathews? Ms. Reynolds?”
Lauren’s mouth dropped open. “How did you know our names?” Lauren asked with a wide grin. Knowing how much Lauren loved surprises, I couldn’t help but smile and fist pump internally at how happy she looked.
Holding Lauren’s hand in mine, I helped her into the gondola. The gondolier got in and began taking us down the indoor river. As we moved about, the gondolier sang two songs while I held Lauren in my arms.
“Oh, Colt. This is so romantic.”
Smiling, I placed my cheek against her cheek. “Grams and Gramps honeymooned in Venice.”
Turning and looking at me, Lauren smiled. “Really?”
Shaking my head, I said, “Yep, they sure did. If there is one thing I want to do Lauren, it’s make you happy for the rest of our lives.”
Leaning her head back into my chest, Lauren closed her eyes and said, “Colt, you make me so happy. I can’t imagine being any happier.”
Having already taken the ring out of my pocket, I held it in my left hand. Lauren still lay against my chest with her eyes closed. Peeking up at the gondolier, he smiled and gave me a head nod. Reaching my hands out, I opened the box and held it in front of Lauren.
Brilliant round diamonds that extended down the bands surrounded the princess cut diamond. The light it was casting off was breathtaking.
“Lauren, will you do me the honor of making me the happiest man on Earth, and say you’ll marry me?”
Lauren still had her head rested against my chest with her eyes closed as she let out a giggle. “I’m pretty sure I’ve already agreed to this, Colt.”
Placing my lips to her ear, I whispered, “Open you eyes, sweetheart.”
Opening her eyes, Lauren looked at me and smiled. Glancing back to the gondolier, she saw the ring and let out a gasp as she covered her mouth. Leaning forward, Lauren dropped her hands and whispered in a shaky voice, “Oh. My. Glitter. Look at it . . . glitter.” Turning around in her seat to face me, she shook her head. “Colt, it’s . . . it’s beyond beautiful.”
A single tear rolled down her face as I reached up with my thumb and wiped it off her face. “Is that a yes?” I asked with a wink.
Letting out a giggle, Lauren nodded her head. “Yes! Yes of course it’s a yes!”
Taking the ring out of the box, I slipped it onto Lauren’s finger as people surrounding us began to clap. I was glad it was in the middle of the night and not that many people were around. Lauren wrapped her arms around my neck as she began to cry. “Colt, thank you for making this so special. I love you. I love you so much.”
Holding her tightly, I closed my eyes tightly and thanked God for not taking Lauren from me. “I love you so much too, Lauren. So very much.”
We spent the rest of the gondola ride talking about our future. I would never take for granted the moments Lauren and I shared together. Not one single moment.
Lifting her chin and looking at me, Lauren smiled. “I’m exhausted. If you want me to be awake tomorrow when you marry me, you better take me to bed. Now.”
The gondolier pulled over and Lauren and I thanked him for the amazing experience. I picked Lauren up and carried her back to the elevator as she nestled her head into my neck. By the time we got to the elevator, my princess was fast asleep in my arms.
Riding up in the elevator, an older couple smiled at me as the wife nodded her head and said, “Your wife?”
My heart about exploded. “Fiancée, we’re getting married tomorrow.”
