“Wait, let me take a picture!” Millie raced back into the house and came out with her phone.
We posed for a few photos, then Hutton helped me into the carriage. The driver tipped his hat in my direction. “Miss.”
“Hello, Alfred,” I said. “Nice to meet you.”
“We’ll see you there!” Winnie called, while Hallie and Luna looked wistfully at the carriage. “And remember—you never knew about the party!”
I laughed and blew them a kiss. Hutton climbed in next to me and sat down. A moment later, we were on our way.
I took his hand in mine. “I cannot believe you did this. For someone who doesn’t like to be the center of attention, this is insane. Are you really Hutton French, the friend I’ve known for fifteen years?”
He laughed. “Yes and no. I’m really Hutton French, but I don’t want to be just your friend anymore.”
“Good. Because I’m wildly in love with you.”
His eyes traveled over me. “You’re stunning, Felicity. I know I have to share you with a lot of people tonight, but I can’t wait to take you home.”
My face warmed. “I missed you so much while you were gone. I hated sleeping alone.”
“You don’t ever have to sleep alone again, if you don’t want to.” He took my hand. “I meant what I said last night. I want to love you forever.”
“That’s what I want too.” Scooting closer to him, I rested my head on his shoulder, and he wrapped an arm around me. The sun was warm on my face, and I closed my eyes. “So what now? Should we just pretend like we’ve decided to postpone the wedding? We can always say that Millie couldn’t—”
“Hey.” He gave me a squeeze. “How about we just enjoy the ride for now?”
I smiled. “Sounds good to me.”
About thirty minutes later, the carriage turned into the driveway of Abelard Vineyards. I sat up and smoothed the full skirt of my dress.
That’s when Hutton groaned. “Oh, Jesus.”
“What?”
He pointed a little way up the drive. “Looks like our public is here to greet us.”
I looked up and started to laugh. The Prancin’ Grannies, all decked out in their pink bedazzled shirts, lined either side of the gravel road, waving and shouting. “Hello! Congratulations! We’re so happy for you!”
I recognized Gladys as I waved back and smiled, calling out, “Thank you!”
“One of them—Mona—is married to Alfred,” he explained. “That’s how I arranged this so quickly.”
“Wow, you and the Grannies are tight these days,” I teased.
“They were very eager to help me make this special for you.”
“Awww. That’s so nice of them.”
The carriage pulled up to Abelard’s entrance, and Hutton helped me down. “We might have to invite them to our wedding.”
My heart thumped hard as my feet hit the ground. “Our what?”
He pointed to the sky, and I followed the line of his finger.
And gasped—there in the sky was a small airplane with a banner behind it that read Felicity, will you marry me?
Stunned, I looked at Hutton, who’d gone down on one knee.
“This is the real thing,” he said, taking my left hand in both of his. His mouth hooked into a boyish grin. “I already got you the ring, and you’re already wearing the dress, so I thought maybe I should ask you the real question.”
“Oh my God.” I touched my heart with my free hand. “Oh my God, I can’t believe this is happening.”
“Felicity MacAllister, I’ve loved you longer than you know, and there will never be another human on this earth that matters more to me. I may not have magic powers, but you understand me, you accept me, you make me happy. I know this is probably a shock to you, and if you don’t want to say yes today, that’s okay too, but you are the only one for me, today and always.”
“Yes,” I said, tears slipping down my cheeks. “Of course yes! A thousand times yes!”
He stood up and embraced me, our lips meeting in the sweetest, realest kiss we’d ever shared. Behind him the Prancin’ Grannies cheered, and even the horses whinnied their approval.
I smiled up at Hutton. “You do have magic powers—you turned this thing into a real engagement party!”
He held a finger to his lips.
I laughed, happier than I’d ever been. “I’ll never tell.”
“What do you say, ladies? Alfred?” Hutton turned to our audience. “Would you like to join us?”