Page 102 of Aiden & Lily

She giggled and reached up to wipe at the smudge of lipstick he was now wearing. “Maybe I should stick to lip balm for a little while.”

“I don’t mind,” he murmured, sliding an arm around her waist as he walked her toward the passenger side of the car.

He caught movement out of the corner of his eye and noticed the man he’d met with just a few hours ago.

George Taylor gave him a curt nod, then walked away from the window.

Aiden’s stomach churned with nervous excitement as he opened the door and helped Lily inside. His eyes swept over her white sundress, accented with little sunflowers. She’d paired it with boots that made her look more cowgirl than future veterinarian—a role that would come more quickly now that she was taking classes.

Her red hair was swept up off her neck into a casual updo. But it was her eyes that held him captive. Those gorgeous blues that could go from sunny skies to storm clouds depending on her mood would always be his favorite feature.

He dipped down and pressed a kiss to her lips. “I love you, Lily Taylor.”

Her soft hand wrapped around the back of his neck, and she kissed him again, holding nothing back.

They were on their way shortly after. Lily chatted about her classes and how excited she was to start this new adventure. Aiden listened and let himself enjoy the reality of what his life had become.

At some point, she reached across the center console and intertwined her fingers with his. He dragged his thumb over the back of her hand, and she smiled at him.

Peace.

Connection.

The feeling of coming home.

That was what being with Lily felt like. Every day, he woke up feeling like he could take on whatever life had to throw at him.

Which was why the ring was currently burning a hole in his pocket.

They made it to the restaurant, an Italian place a few towns over that offered unlimited breadsticks.

“Do you think it would be weird if I tried to start my own business?” Lily asked after taking a bite of the tiramisu they’d gotten for dessert.

“Weird?” He laughed. “No. I think you’d love being your own boss. You have a knack for leadership.”

She scrunched her nose. “But running a clinic would mean managing employees too. What if I’m not good at that part?”

He reached for her hand and held it. “I think it’s safe to say you’ve grown a lot. By the time you finish your classes and training, you’ll have a better idea of what makes a good boss. If you decide to start your own clinic someday, I’ll be there to support you.”

Her smile was everything he needed. “Why are you so good to me?”

“It’s the other way around, angel. I assure you.”

Aiden brought her hand to his mouth. Then, while she was distracted by the kiss, he reached into his pocket and withdrew the ring.

Lily’s eyes widened as he continued holding her hand and lowered himself onto one knee beside the table.

Before he had a chance to ask the question, she blurted, “Yes! Yes, I’ll marry you.”

She was practically vibrating with excitement as he chuckled and shook his head.

“I had a whole speech planned.”

It was her turn to shake her head and squirm in her seat. “I don’t care. I mean, I appreciate it, but you don’t have to convince me. I’m in, Aiden. I’m all in.”

“But I even asked your father for his blessing.”

All at once, she went still. “You did?” she asked in a quiet, awed voice.