Looking up at him, she saw excitement and nervous energy brewing. The storm clouds dissipated, replaced by desire.
“I wanted to wait until we were at the coast,” he said, never once looking away, “and do this right.”
“Do what right?”
His hands fell away from her face as he lowered to one knee, right there in the middle of the kitchen. “Georgia,” he said, taking her hand and looking up at her, “will you marry me? Will you let me love you forever? And promise to love me back?”
Georgia sank to her knees beside him on the floor, her hands locked in his. She studied the familiar face of the friend, now lover, who’d always been there for her, who’d opened her eyes to trust and love, who saw her strengths, and held her hand when she needed someone to lean on. Inside, feelings swelled and she clung to the emotions, no longer afraid to love Eric. Forever.
“Yes.”