Forever Love at Wildflower Lock (The Wildflower Lock #4)

Chapter 7

7

Daisy was staring at Theo, or rather, she was staring at the ring he was holding in his hand. It was absolutely perfect. A large central diamond haloed by a ring of small sapphires and rubies, and highlighted by a sparkling gold band. By the looks of things, it was an antique. A one-off. Totally unique. Just like the pair of them and their relationship.

‘Not that I’m worried or anything, but you are making me a little nervous,’ Theo said, still looking up at her. ‘A reply would be good at some point. It’s surprisingly painful, kneeling like this too.’

‘Oh, yes, of course, yes,’ Daisy said, brushing her hands against her cheeks, surprised to find they were still wet with tears. ‘Of course, it’s a yes.’

With a smile broader than she would have ever thought possible, Theo stood up and slipped the ring onto her finger. It was a perfect fit and even more impressive close up, with the way the rubies and sapphires tapered and the intricate filigree of the band. Daisy was still trying to take in all the details when a small chorus of cheers erupted behind her.

‘Woohoo!’

Daisy didn’t give herself time to think. Instead, she turned and raced towards her friends as they ran towards her and the group collided with such force into a hug, she almost toppled over. But it was worth it, just to see their insane grins up close.

‘Wow,’ Claire said. ‘You had us worried for a minute there.’

‘What are you on about? I wasn’t worried for one second,’ Bex said. ‘Now, where is the Champagne? It’s time to crack it open.’

‘Hold on a second, I want to get a proper look at that ring first,’ Claire said, pulling Daisy’s hand towards her. ‘Oh my God, that is stunning. Wow.’

‘It is, isn’t it?’ Daisy said, lifting her hand up and turning her wrist slightly so that the light hit all the gemstones. Theo approached the group and wrapped his arms around her waist.

‘Happy?’ he asked.

‘Very,’ Daisy replied.

It was as she stood there, with her eyes locked on Theo’s, that she realised she hadn’t kissed him since accepting his proposal. She had been too overwhelmed with the ring and the girls. It was a mistake she quickly rectified. With her left hand pressed up against his cheek, she planted her lips against his. It was the most perfect kiss. Her first kiss as an engaged woman. And it could have gone on forever, had it not been for the voice that spoke behind her.

‘Girls, I wasn’t expecting to see you today? Is something going on?’

The voice called Daisy to break away from the kiss with a jerk. She was torn. She wanted the moment to go on for as long as possible, but at the same time, she wanted to tell everyone her news. And top of that list, as the girls already knew, was her mother, who she knew at that moment was standing right behind her.

‘Does she know?’ she whispered to Theo.

‘No. I thought you’d want to be the one to tell her.’

‘Thank you,’ she said, then offered him one more quick kiss on the lips before turning back around and holding out her hand towards her mum.

‘Theo asked me to marry him, and I said yes!’