He gestured for me to go ahead.
The master bath wasn’t large, but what it lacked in size, Josiah had made up in style. The double vanity had lots of storage and the framed mirrors were a nice touch. There was a big glass shower and much like next door, a nice freestanding bathtub.
“This is so pretty,” I said. “Whoever lives here better take advantage of that bathtub.”
“I hope they will.”
“Okay, what’s next? Can I see the kitchen yet?”
In answer, Josiah gestured toward the door.
Max ran ahead and started sniffing things while Josiah and I went downstairs. Without furniture, the entryway and living areas were wide open. There was a small room at the front of the house that would be great for a den or little library. In the back, there was a big living room with a wood stove they’d kept from the original. I could just imagine cozying up in front of its warmth on a cold winter day, watching the snow fall through the big windows and new French doors that led to the back yard.
But the kitchen. I rounded the corner and my jaw dropped.
“Oh my gosh, Josiah. It’s gorgeous.”
The wood cabinets were simple but lovely and the cream quartz counters contrasted beautifully. He’d built a small island and painted it sage green—a touch I wouldn’t have thought of but thank goodness he had, because it was amazing. A light hung over the island, antique bronze with a textured glass shade. The sink was huge and the stainless-steel appliances blended right in.
“Look at all this.” I wandered around slowly, turning in a circle. “It’s the prettiest kitchen I’ve ever seen.”
“Which house do you like better? This one or next door?”
“Well this one, obviously. Don’t get me wrong, my house is adorable. But this is everything I’d want in a house. It’s like I designed it myself.”
“You kind of did.”
“That’s true, isn’t it.” I walked over and threaded my arms around his waist. “Thanks for letting me help. This was fun.”
“There’s one more thing.”
I stepped back and looked up at him. “What, the back yard? We don’t have to go back there, I see it all the time.”
“No, there’s something in the cupboard over there.” He pointed.
“Ooh, is there hidden storage for small appliances?” I walked over to the cupboard. “That would be handy.”
“Just open it.”
Inside I found an envelope. My name was written on the back. “What’s this?”
Josiah didn’t answer, so I opened it. There was a white notecard, blank on the outside. I took it out and opened it. In blue ink, it read, Welcome home.
“Welcome home?” I looked up and met his eyes. “What does that mean?”
He smiled, then. The biggest, most genuine smile I’d ever seen on Josiah Haven. “It means this house is for us.”
My mouth dropped open and my eyes widened. I sputtered, trying to say too many things at once and failing at all of them. “This is – What? Ours? You mean – I don’t know what to – Are you serious?”
“Yes, I’m serious. I didn’t realize it at first, but I think I’ve been getting it ready for us the whole time.”
I dropped the card on the counter and was about to throw myself into his arms out of pure joy, but he held up a hand. “Hang on.”
“What?”
“There’s one more thing.”
“You said that already and it was a house.”
He dug into his pocket and pulled out a small box. Before he opened it, I knew what it was. If I’d sputtered nonsense before, I was completely speechless now.
While my eyes filled with tears, he approached. I watched in awe as he slowly lowered himself to one knee. He looked up at me, his stormy blue-gray eyes intent on mine, and in true Josiah Haven fashion, he kept it simple.
“Marry me?”
“Oh, yes. Oh yes, yes, yes.”
My body was vibrating with excitement like my dog when he was about to get a treat. Tears of happiness streamed from the corners of my eyes while Josiah took the ring out of the box and gently placed it on my finger.
He rose and I almost jumped into his arms, but didn’t want to make his injured leg buckle. So I threw my arms around him. “Oh my gosh, I love you so much. You saved my life and you’re going to marry me and you got me a house and I’m sorry I can’t stop because I’m just so happy I don’t know what to do.”
His arms were strong around me. He didn’t stop me from babbling. Just laughed softly while I went on and on, waiting for me to wear myself out.