Page 46 of Just One Spark

"I thought it would be nice to have access, but no, I don't think it's big enough to use as anything but a lookout for the family."He gestured at the mound of pillows, and I sat gingerly on one.

He sat next to me, looking large and out of place on his.He reached for a bottle of wine and poured two glasses.

I sighed."This is really nice.Thank you for bringing me up here.I figured you'd be too busy to socialize tonight."

He flashed a smile at me."I always have time for you."

"I can see how you'll be busy the next few weeks.The opening is coming up, and you'll want to ensure every detail is taken care of."

"You're right about that.But I really wanted to show you this spot."He handed me the glass, and I cradled it in my hand, looking out over the view.

"It's gorgeous."

He arranged a few pillows behind us so that they rested on the slant of the roof, and then he pulled me back against his chest, lowering the blanket over us.I didn't feel the chill of the air, and up here, it seemed like we were the only two people in the world.

"For once, it's not so cloudy that we can't see the stars."

I followed his finger to the sky where, sure enough, there were a million or more stars blinking down at us.I let out a breath, letting my chest loosen.It was nice that he'd taken time out of the evening to spend it with me.He didn't have to do this.Unless he wanted people to know he'd planned a romantic interlude with me.

"I'm so glad you're here with me.I've been wanting to share this with someone, and you're the perfect person."

"It is special."Downstairs, the Hart family and friends were gathered to support Rowan and Beck.But up here, it was just us.

He eventually shifted and grabbed something from his pocket.When he moved again, he was on one knee on the blanket, holding the jewelry box in his hand.His eyes sparkled with mischief."The last time I asked you was spur-of-the-moment, and I hadn't had a chance to buy you the ring yet."

I laughed, because the announcement had come as a surprise."You were overcome with love."

He nodded seriously."I wanted to take my time and get you the ring that you deserve.The one you've always wanted."

My heart pinched, and I wasn't so sure he was teasing anymore.This felt a little more serious.

"I was going to wait until the grand opening, but it doesn't make sense.Not when you need the ring now."

That was a good reminder that this wasn't real.No matter how much I wanted it to be.

"Hattie, will you marry me?"

I never expected to hear that question from a man.I hadn't dreamed about a proposal or even wondered what it would feel like.But there was something about these words coming from Rowan that had my heart flip-flopping.I licked my suddenly dry lips and said, "Of course I'll marry you."

Why had that come out so easily?This was fake, right?I felt like I was losing all sense of reason.It seemed to happen whenever I was too close to Rowan.

He slid the ring over my finger, and a tingle shot down my hand and up my elbow.

The diamond sparkled in the candlelight."It's beautiful."

"You picked it out."

"Yeah," I said as he cupped my cheeks, drawing my attention to his eyes.

"Thank you for doing this."Then he kissed me softly but didn't linger.He pulled back, and the wind whipped over my cheeks.

I wrapped the blanket around me, a little tired.I was confused because it had felt very real, and then he referenced our fake arrangement, which felt like dumping cold water on our steamy scene.

"When we go back downstairs, we can announce that we're officially engaged.Everyone will want to see the ring."His voice was flat, as if he'd rehearsed this.It was all part of an act.

I felt like an idiot for thinking any of this was real.I let myself get caught up in him and the moment.I wouldn't allow that to happen again."Why didn't you propose in front of everyone?That would have gotten the message across."

"I thought about it.You know, doing it at the grand opening.But that's too late."