I was in shock. I couldn’t speak. It felt like a dream, only it wasn’t. I was speechless and my hands were shaking. I think my whole body was shaking. These tiny fireworks crackled and popped in my stomach, tickling me from the tips of my fingers, down to my toes. Then the big ones ignited, filling me up with an overwhelming sense of euphoria, and I exploded with happiness.

“What do you say, babe. Yes or no?” Max asked sweetly. I was pretty sure his eyes never left mine, waiting for me to soak in what I was seeing.

More tears wetted my face. With my lips quivering, I turned to Max. He was down on one knee, holding a box with the most beautiful solitaire ring I’d ever seen. It looked to be a three-carat diamond, mounted high on a simple white gold band. Or maybe it was platinum. All I knew was it sparkled and shimmered in the glow of the sunset as we stood on that perfect spot. Though I couldn’t tell for sure, in my mind I was comparing it with Nicole’s, and hers was two-carat. Not that it would matter anyway. I knew it was way too expensive.

“Jeanella Mefferd, you’re the only woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. I’m going to spend every single day making you feel loved. I want your body, heart, and soul filled with everything I can give you. From now on, February 14th will not be Valentine’s Day for us. From now on it will be the day I proposed to the most beautiful, amazing woman in existence. I want the whole world to know that Valentine’s Day is ours now. Will you marry me, Jenna? I will spend the rest of my life making sure you never regret saying ‘yes’. Be mine, because I want to be yours. I want to give you forever.”

What else could this wonderful man say? “Yes, Maxwell Knight. I want to be yours forever,” I managed to say while my lips trembled. The tears I desperately tried to hold at bay came pouring down. I didn’t think I could possibly love him more than I already did, but tonight I did.

Max stood up, kissed me tenderly, and held me tight. The breeze was soft and cool, as we stood against the backdrop of the most beautiful sunset.

“We can take our time, babe. I’ll leave it up to you to pick the date. If it were up to me, we would’ve been married yesterday.” His eyes twinkled, looking so happy. I loved that I could make him feel this way.

Pulling away from me, he took out the ring, shoving the box into his pocket, and placed it on my finger. “I think I did a great job guessing the size of your finger.”

He sure did. It fit perfectly. “How did you guess?” I asked, admiring as it shined, still not believing Max had just proposed to me.

“Babe, I know every mole, every curve, and every scar on you. I bet I know your body better than you,” Max said, pulling me into him.

“And do you like what you see, Mr. Knight?”

“Yes, soon-to-be Mrs. Knight. I’m planning to do more studying tonight, but I have to warn you. It’s going to be a very extensive examination.”

I shivered from both the breeze that had gotten colder, and the thought of what Max was going to do to me tonight.

“We should head back. Dinner is waiting for us.”

“Was Molly your sunset keeper?”

“Yes, she was. I’d asked her to keep an eye out and let me know when it was at the most perfect point. I also prayed for no rain. I only had one chance.”

“How about the candles? I’d like to enjoy them a little big longer.” They were glowing brighter since the sun was almost out of view.

“You’ll be able to see them from the backyard. That’s where we’re having our dinner.

“Did you tell your parents and Matthew about what you were planning tonight?”

“Yes, I did. Oh, and before I forget to tell you, I asked your parents for their permission to ask for your hand in marriage the night I met them.”

“You did?” I asked, feeling completely stunned. No wonder my mom looked so excited and acted a bit off that night. I thought she was smiling way too much during our get-together. Now it all made sense. “How did you ask them?”

“I told your parents how much I loved you.” Max laced his fingers through my hair. “I told them I would provide for you and take care of you through the good and the bad. I promised that I would never look at or love another woman. And I would give them a minivan full of grandchildren,” Max chuckled. “I think they loved that part. I’m pretty sure that sealed the deal.”

“You’re sneaky,” I said, wrinkling my nose. “But I love that you are. Thank you for being who you are. I don’t know what I did to deserve you.” Meaning every word I said, I molded into his arms with a gratifying sigh. Max thought of everything tonight. It was definitely the most romantic night of my life. I will never look at Valentine’s Day the same ever again.

41

I TOOK JENNA BACK into the house. She never once complained about how cold it was, but I could tell when she shivered in my arms. Her hair looked a bit wild from the breeze, making her look sexy as hell, but I wasn’t going to tell her. I was going to enjoy my view.

I wasn’t sure if proposing this early in our relationship was a good idea, but I didn’t want to wait another day. Besides, when was it ever a perfect time to propose? You just do it when you think the time is right, but who knew about these things. I never wanted to propose to anyone until I met Jenna.

As we ate dinner on the balcony, under the heat lamp, Jenna couldn’t stop staring at the candlelight. Seeing her smile and in awe of everything I did for her tonight confirmed I had made the right decision. The thought of her saying “no” did cross my mind. However, after what we’d been through this past month, I knew our love for each other had grown. I guess this would be the arrogant side of me, but how could she refuse?