The evening air was cool as I leaned against the black car, watching her. Tanneyhill felt empty without her, but seeing her now, poised in front of the mirror, she made this place feel like home. I couldn’t help the grin that tugged at my lips as she dabbed a bit of lip gloss on, focused on her reflection. It was like every minute with her only made me more certain—engagement, marriage, it all felt like the natural next step.

“You look good enough to make me forget the plans we had tonight,” I called out, the teasing tone making it clear I wasn’t complaining.

She glanced up, catching my eyes in the mirror, and rolled her eyes, but I saw the smile she was trying to hide. The way her lips curved, even just for a moment, made everything else seem insignificant. Her hair, the way she moved, how she could hold my gaze without flinching—it was all perfect.

We were supposed to be heading to the country club, catching up with friends, but right here, right now, everything felt like it could wait. I had all the time in the world with her.