Chapter 40
Iknew coming here was a risk, and I was really hoping it wouldn”t backfire. The last time I brought Karis here, she got the phone call about her mom being in the hospital, and it wasn”t long after that when she passed away. I knew this place could hold negative memories, and I really wanted to redeem it for her. I was hoping this evening would do exactly that.
Aspen texted Karis to take the day off, but she ignored her and showed up at Whisk Me Away this morning, almost ruining everything. Thankfully, Aspen convinced Karis to go home, or I would have had to change plans. Aspen, Eden, and Mia were currently at the bakery decorating and setting up for the surprise engagement party we had planned. My job was to get Karis out here and propose; the girls would do the rest.
I parked my SUV in the gravel lot and tuned in my seat to face Karis. Her worried look had me second-guessing whether my idea was worth the risk of upsetting her.
”We don”t have to go here,” I said, trying to mask the dread I was feeling inside. I could change plans and make it work if she was uncomfortable, but the last thing I wanted to do was upset her.
Karis slowly shook her head before turning to look at me. Her bright green eyes held a hint of defiance in them. ”I”m good.”
”Are you sure?” I wanted her to be one hundred percent sure before we climbed out of this vehicle.
”Yes,” Karis nodded, her voice coming out strong and determined.
I reached over and squeezed her knee before climbing out.
Rounding the SUV, I opened the passenger door, and Karis hopped out. I slammed the door, hit the lock button, and dropped the keys in my pocket. I grabbed Karis” hand and began walking toward the trail.
The first few minutes were spent in comfortable silence before Karis finally spoke.
”I wasn”t sure how being back here would feel, but I think Mom would be proud of me,” Karis” voice was low. My thumb rubbed circles on the back of her hand as we walked.
”I know she would be,” I gave her a reassuring smile.
The hike to the spot I showed her a few months ago took almost forty-five minutes today. We walked at a much slower pace, taking in the incredible beauty around us. By the time we made it to the top, neither of us was that out of breath. It was impossible not to sweat during July in Tennessee, but thankfully, we weren”t panting.
I slid the backpack off and pulled out the blanket I stuffed in there this morning. I wandered over to a large tree that provided plenty of shade while still giving us a great view of the Falls. Once I had it spread out, I motioned for Karis to join me.
My hands were sweating, but I was hoping Karis wouldn”t think anything of it since it was July. I wiped my palms along my shorts, feeling for the delicate ring I had hidden in my pocket. My stomach was in knots as I took a few breaths to calm my nerves. I didn”t think Karis would say no, but I didn”t want to be overly confident. Olivia said yes, even though she didn”t really want to get married.
I shook my head, clearing away any thoughts of my ex. This was the last place I wanted thoughts of her to infiltrate. Karis is not her, and I”m not going to worry about it.
”This place really is incredible,” Karis said, breaking the silence.
”Are you glad we came?” I asked, trying to make sure I should continue with my plan.
Karis nodded as she stared out toward the Falls. She turned her head and gave me a wide smile. ”Yes. Thank you for bringing me here.”
The nerves weaving their way through my body lessened a little at her words. I pulled my feet under me and pushed to stand. I reached out a hand to Karis.
”Come with me,” Karis placed her hand in mine, and I helped her get to her feet. We walked hand in hand to the end of the stream, and I turned to face her, still holding one of her hands in mine.
”Peach, from the moment I met you, I knew my life would never be the same. You entered my world like a burst of sunlight, illuminating the darkest corners of my soul and filling them with warmth and joy. With each passing day, my admiration for you grew, and my love for you deepened beyond measure.”
Karis” breath hitched as her eyes bored into mine.
”You are the most remarkable person I have ever known. Your kindness knows no bounds, your compassion touches the hearts of all who know you, and your strength inspires me in ways I never thought possible. But it”s not just your kindness or strength that captivates me, Karis. It is your spirit, your laughter, the way your eyes sparkle when you talk about the things you love. It”s the way you see the beauty in the world, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. You have a way of turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories, and I am grateful for each and every one that we’ve shared,” I paused to pull in a quick breath. Tears were glistening in Karis” eyes. She was absolutely breathtaking.
”As I stand here before you now, I realize that there are no words that could fully express the depth of my love for you. You are my partner, my confidante, my best friend, and I cannot imagine my life without you in it. Karis, will you do me the honor of being my partner for the rest of our days? Will you stand by my side as we embark on this journey together, facing whatever challenges may come our way with love, laughter, and devotion?” I dropped to one knee as I pulled my grandmother”s ring out of my pocket.
”Peach, I love you more than words can say. Will you marry me?”
Tears were now streaming down her cheeks as her eyes bounced from the ring between my fingers in my outstretched hand and my eyes.
”Brant,” she breathed. ”Yes! Yes, of course, I”ll marry you!” Karis launched herself at me before I had a chance to stand fully. I caught her midair and swung her around. When I set her back on her feet, I took her hand and placed the ring on her finger.
”Brant, it”s perfect. I love it so much. I love you so much,” Karis said through her sobs.
”It was my grandmother”s, and my mom wants you to have it,” I said, placing my hands on each of her cheeks.
”I”d be honored,” Karis said.
As we held each other, I felt Karis” breathing match mine. Brushing a strand of hair away from her face, I gazed into her eyes, seeing all the love and trust we had built reflected back at me.
Slowly, I leaned in, capturing Karis” lips in a tender kiss. It started softly, a gentle exploration. My heart swelled with affection as I savored the taste and feel of her against me.
As the kiss deepened, a fire ignited within me, fueled by the passion that burned between us. I pulled her closer, losing myself in the sweet ecstasy of our connection. It was a kiss filled with longing, promise, and the silent vow of forever.
Our lips moved together in perfect harmony, a dance of love and desire. At that moment, nothing else mattered but the two of us, bound together in a whirlwind of emotion.
When we finally pulled away, breathless and flushed, I rested my forehead against Karis”, my heart beating rapidly. As we stood there, hand in hand, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the incredible gift of Karis’ love.
As much as I wanted to stay in this little bubble we”d created, the day wasn”t over. I glanced down at my watch, double-checking the time. By the time we made it back down the mountain, it should have been time to head to the bakery.
”Let”s go, Peach,” I smiled before leaning down and stealing a quick kiss.
”Where do we have to go?” Karis questioned.
”The surprises aren”t over,” I shot her a wink before shoving the blanket into my backpack.
With our hands clasped together, we headed back down the trail. Occasionally, I would catch Karis holding up her left hand and admiring the ring, and just seeing my ring on her finger sent a shot of pride coursing through my body.
As we pulled into the back lot behind Whisk Me Away, my heart pounded with excitement, knowing that behind those doors awaited a group of people ready and waiting to celebrate our engagement. Karis sat beside me, oblivious to the flurry of emotions swirling within me. Her eyes filled with confusion as she took in where we were.
”Why are we at the bakery?” Karis asked from the passenger seat.
Suppressing a grin, I turned to Karis, marveling at her beauty, her radiance lighting up the dimming evening. I couldn”t help but feel a surge of love for her. How could I have gotten so lucky to have her by my side?
”When I came in earlier, I think I left my wallet on the counter. I couldn”t pass up a blueberry crumble muffin when you weren”t here.” The lie rolled off my tongue smoothly.
Karis nodded as we both climbed out and headed for the back door. She unlocked the door and pulled it open, allowing me to enter. Taking a deep breath, I reached for Karis”s hand, squeezing it gently as I prepared to reveal the surprise waiting just beyond the kitchen doors. My pulse quickened, my nerves tingling with anticipation.
I pushed the door open, and as we stepped through, everyone in front of the bakery yelled, “Surprise!” A hand flew to her chest, and she let out a loud gasp.
”Oh my goodness!” She whispered.
Karis turned toward me with teary eyes and threw her arms around my neck. I slipped my arms around her waist and held her close.
”You did all this for me?” She asked.
”Of course,” I whispered against her hair.
Karis laughed as she pulled away from me. I immediately missed her heat. We made our way around the room, saying hello to all our friends and family. Karis proudly showed off the ring that would now take up permanent residence on her ring finger.
My brothers were quick to offer their congratulations, each with a hearty slap on the back and a genuine smile. ”Congratulations, man,” Brock said, clapping me on the shoulder. “It looks like you finally found yourself a keeper.”
”Yeah, Brant, we”re happy for you,” Brooks chimed in with a grin.
I laughed, feeling a surge of affection for my brothers. ”Thanks, guys.”
I moved through the room until I found Gram, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she pulled me aside for a private chat. ”Well, Brant, you”ve found yourself a real gem,” she said, her voice filled with pride. ”You take good care of her now, you hear?”
I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat at the thought of the wisdom and love that Gram had always imparted to me. ”I will, Gram. I promise.”
As the evening wore on and the festivities continued, I felt a sense of wonder at the love and support that surrounded us. This was just the beginning of our journey together. Still, I knew that with God at the center, Karis by my side, and our family and friends cheering us on, there was nothing we couldn”t overcome. This was where I was meant to be—surrounded by love and family, and standing beside the woman who had captured my heart.