14. Sarah
It was the small honeysuckle plant with the note attached that finally broke Sarah’s resolve. She had an idea that Kane was looking at her as something more than a fake relationship, but the note cemented that feeling.
To My Intended, Sarah
I find myself grappling with the truth that lies beneath our make-believe tale. What started as a mere act has grown into something real. Amidst the pretense, my feelings for you have grown, defying all expectations.
In this journey of pretending, I”ve discovered a deep connection that I never anticipated. Your presence has a way of brightening even the grumpiest corners of my being. Your laughter, your quirks, and the way you fill the room with warmth have touched me in ways I never thought possible.
The emotions that have developed between us go beyond the boundaries of our fabricated relationship. They are genuine, heartfelt, and undeniable. I”ve come to realize that the walls I built around my heart have crumbled in the face of your unwavering support and kindness.
I want this wedding to be real. I want us to step into a future where our love is not fabricated but authentic. Together, we can discover a happiness that surpasses the boundaries we initially set.
I ask you to consider this leap with me, leaving behind the artificiality and embracing the genuine connection we share.
With an open heart
Yours here and waiting
Kane
***
Holy Moly!
Sarah sat on the lounge, as Eve and Fred wandered in, the old ginger cat jumping up to sniff the plant.
“Oh, another one?” Eve asked as she collapsed into the lounge chair across from her. “What’s this one say?”
Sarah handed over the note and watched as Eve slowly read the note, looked at Sarah and then reread it.
“Wow Sarah.” Eve said as she watched the emotions flitter over Sarah’s face. “This is what you wanted wasn’t it? You feel the same way, don’t you?”
“But what if-” Sarah hesitated.
“What if what?” Eve encouraged her to continue.
“What if it isn’t real again?” Sarah whispered. “I just don’t know. I’m so hopeful that it is, but, there is a small doubt there.”
Eve handed the letter back to Sarah. “You know he lives on the same property right? He’s like two minutes from here. Go and ask.”
Sarah looked at her friend. “When did you get so wise?”
Eve grinned. “I’m hanging around the right people to get the good advice now,” she said as she stood and picked up Fred as he was settling in to sleep again. “Now go, and if I don’t see you back tonight, then I know it went well,” she grinned as she walked out of the room.
Sarah grinned and stood up, straightening her ruby red wrap around dress. She took a deep breath in and walked into the sunlight, straight to Kane’s house where he was sitting on the porch with Luke and Alex, who took one look at Sarah coming and took off grinning.
Kane stood as Sarah approached, Sarah trying to get her breath from walking so fast to his place.
“You got the letter?” Kane asked gently.
Sarah nodded, not sure what to say next.
“And the honeysuckle?” Kane asked again.
“And the rose and lavender,” Sarah breathed out. “They were beautiful.”
“I chose them because they remind me of you.” Kane said. “Your scent of roses and lavender keeps me awake at night, but not as much as your taste of honeysuckle. It’s a taste I want to have forever.”
“A real forever?” Sarah asked.
“If you’ll have me. It’s real for me Sarah. I don’t want to let you go. You are mine and I hope that one day I’ll be yours.”
Sarah stepped closer and wound her arms around Kane’s neck, tilting her face towards his. “I am yours now. I have been since you walked in and then agreed to that stupid idea of fake dating.”
Kane grinned at her. “You fell for me too, heh?” he joked.
“Big time,” Sarah said.
“So, about this wedding?” Kane said. “I think we forgot something essential.”
“Believe me, everything is covered.”
“Not everything,” Kane said before he called out behind him. “You can show yourselves now.”
Sarah watched as his five brothers, Elsie and her husband and Eve came around the corner of the house.
“How?” Sarah asked as she saw Eve giggling next to Luke. “It was you?”
Eve nodded. “My one job was to send a text to everyone when you left to see Kane. The rest was already in motion.”
“Rest?” Sarah asked confused.
“This,” Kane said as he knelt before Sarah. “I wanted everyone here to see how much I adore you Sarah. I wanted it right this time.” Sarah gasped as Kane held out a blue velvet box to her.
“But I already have a ring,” Sarah protested. “I love this ring.”
Kane chuckled. “Woman, would you just let me finish this and not interrupt for once,” he grinned at her.
Sarah nodded, laughter in her eyes as she opened the box to show a brass key shining at her.
“Sarah Connelly, you had my heart from the first moment I saw you. Now you have the key to everything I own. My home is now yours. My heart is yours.” Kane stood and cupped Sarah’s face. “I love you, my infuriating little minx.”
Sarah held her breath as Kane lowered his mouth to hers.
“I love you too, my fiancé.” She said as the others clapped around them.
“You called me your fiancé,” Kane whispered in her ear.
“That’s because I can now let myself believe it,” Sarah said as she looked up at Kane, her eyes bright and clear. “But I still have one question myself.” She added.
Sarah looked to where all Kane’s brothers and Elsie were. “I don’t want to move from here. This feels like a family to me.” Sarah turned towards the others. “I know you have broken your rules to let Eve and me stay here for a while, but I’m hoping the stay could be permanent for me? Would you let me live here with you all?”
“As if we get a say in it,” Luke grumbled good naturedly as Eve elbowed him in the ribs.
“I thought it was a given. You’re our sister now, or will be in a few days at the wedding.” Alex said as he stepped forward to hug Sarah.
“Get your hands off my woman Alex,” Kane growled as he pulled Sarah back towards him.
“You’re only jealous as I’ve now had more action with Sarah than you have in weeks.” Alex laughed, as Sarah tried to hide a smirk.
“That changes tonight,” Kane grumbled as Sarah finally let out a laugh.
“Actually, I’m thinking a few more days won’t hurt us,” Sarah said. “Keep something special for our wedding. Or more specifically our wedding night.”
Kane was outraged. “It won’t hurt you; you have your pink plunger thing.”
“Penetrator,” Sarah replied cheekily.
“It’s time for us to go boys,” Alex said, all of them laughing at Kane’s look of disgust.
“Come on Eve,” Sarah said as she stepped towards her friend. “Let’s go home and leave Kane to his bad mood.”
“You will pay for this woman,” Kane called out to them.
“I really hope so,” Sarah said sweetly. “Because I’m really looking forward to it.”
Kane tried to hide his smile as Sarah wiggled her hips as she walked away.
“I really hope so too,” he said under his breath as he went back inside.