Page 65 of Better Together

Following Zeke up a set of stairs, across a short rope bridge, up another set of steps, and to the door of the treehouse took longer than it probably should. She inspected every detail, taking in the hardware used, the wood, and the steel roof. This was the best gift she had ever received.

He pushed the door open and gestured for her to go in first. A large, round, dark-chocolate-colored floor cushion the size of a bed held multiple throw pillows in shades of cream. Alexis removed her gloves. The room was warm. She looked around for the heat source and noticed a heater that gave off serious BTUs. Everything about the treehouse was top of the line. Zeke removed his jacket and hung it on a peg by the door, then helped her out of hers.

He rolled the sleeves of his white dress shirt up to his elbows, showing off his muscular forearms. He wore faded jeans and black boots. Her mouth watered with the anticipation of undressing him slowly in this amazing treehouse.

She sputtered, “How? When?”

“The past few weeks.”

Alexis began to protest, and he silenced her with a finger to her lips.

A corner of his mouth quirked up. “It pays to have a brother-in-law who owns one of the largest hardware store chains in the country and has the resources to get the job done quickly.”

“Maybe I should have had Owen help me when I was trying to find another crew.”

Zeke pulled her in close. “You weren’t willing to accept help at that point.”

“True.”

Before she knew what was happening, Zeke was down on one knee with a velvet box held out in front of him.

“Alexis. I may have taken a while to realize what was in front of me, but when I did, I fell for you hard and fast. I love you and want to spend my life with you. I’m better with you, we’re better together, and I want to show you that every day for the rest of our lives. Will you marry me?”

Alexis kept her focus on Zeke. “Yes. I want that more than anything. I love you, Zeke Reynolds.”

Zeke slid the platinum-and-diamond band on her finger and sprang to his feet, engulfing her in his embrace. He pulled back and reached for a small metal box with a red button. “Here, push this.”

She eyed him suspiciously and pushed the button, wondering if it did anything, and then they heard the cheers and applause outside. He wrapped his hand around hers, and they walked outside onto the small deck to see the Reynolds clan smiling up at them. Zeke pointed at the cloth hanging over the railing, which had unfurled at the push of the button. Alexis looked over the edge and read the sign upside down. It read “She said yes!”

Elsie, Abe, Linnie, Roman, Nikki, Nora, Ethan, Paige, Maggie, and Owen all shouted various salutations.

Maggie called up, “You sure took your time, Zeke. We’re all freezing out here.”

Then Elsie yelled, “Don’t listen to Maggie. We’ll leave you two alone to enjoy your new fort.” When the matriarch of the family spoke, the rest of them obeyed and headed back to Ethan’s without another word.

Back in the warmth of the treehouse, Alexis asked, “Is this going to be a family treehouse?”

Zeke pulled her down onto the round bed. “Heck no. This is our place.”

“How?”

“I had it built on my property.”

“Your property?”

“Yep. When Ethan came home, he purchased the entire parcel from the resort to just past his place. He sold me the middle parcel after he built his house. That way, when I decided to settle down with a family of my own someday, I’d have land to build the perfect house.”

She smiled at him, her lips a breath from his. “Is this your idea of our perfect house?”

“For now. Until we build something together.”

“Then this is our love shack?”

Zeke fell back laughing and pulled her on top of him. “I like that idea. It’s warm and well insulated.” He winked.

Between kisses, Alexis asked, “What about my fourth date—I kind of feel bad for standing him up.”

Zeke laughed. “Maggie and I set this up.” He pushed the hair from her eyes and tucked it behind her ear. I’m your fourth date . . . and the last one you’ll ever need.”