Page 66 of Hearts of Wealth

“I’m not going to chicken out,” I said. “This ring has been burning a hole in my pocket all night.”

“And the plan is still on?”

“Yes.” I nodded.

She gave me a gentle push. “Then what are you waiting for?”

“I’m not going to back out,” I assured her. “You’ll tell everyone to be ready?”

“Yep.” She nodded.

I took a deep breath. “Then I’m going to find Catherine. Make sure we have a little privacy.”

“I know, I know.” she nodded.

I walked away, feeling my heart kick up a notch. I scanned the crowd for Catherine. Of course, the one time I needed to find her, she was nowhere to be found. I had planned the proposal right down to the last detail. Paisley had really done most of the planning. The girl had watched way too many romantic movies. If she had her way, there would have been fireworks, a skywriting plane, and a jumbotron. I had insisted on something a little less dramatic.

Finally, I spotted Catherine. She was tucked away in a corner of the garden, bathed in the soft glow of the fairy lights and talking to an elderly couple from the neighborhood. I didn’t want to interrupt their conversation, so I waited nearby and tried to calm my racing heart.

I waited until she noticed me watching her. She quietly excused herself and made her way to me.

It was showtime.