Kennedy turned to me, her eyes alight with excitement. “We’re going to the falls, aren’t we?”

“Yeah,” I admitted.

She beamed. “Did you know this will only be my second time going there? I didn’t want to go again without you.”

My heart melted. Kaput. I didn’t know how I’d ever resisted this woman, even for a couple of weeks. She was so sweet. So perfect.

“I’m glad.” I cleared my throat, my voice huskier than I’d have liked.

I got out and donned the backpack. I insisted on being the one to carry supplies, since she was still healing. Logically, I knew it probably wouldn’t do her any harm, but my instinct was still to protect her in whatever way I could.

We started up the trail. When Kennedy spotted something she wanted to photograph, I handed her camera over. We made slow progress, but it was more enjoyable that way, even if it did give me plenty of time to stew over what was coming.

When we arrived at the falls, they were as stunning as ever. On the tail end of summer, the pool of bluish water at the base of the waterfall was smaller than it was during wetter seasons, but it was no less beautiful. Water cascaded down the mossy rock face, with tiered steps at the top seemingly cut by God.

Kennedy released a slow breath. “I forgot how much this place took my breath away.”

“It’s pretty impressive.”

I wiped my sweaty palms on my shirt, laid the backpack on the ground, then sank to one knee in front of her.

“Liam?” Her eyes widened, glowing even bluer than usual. The falls and the sky had nothing on her eyes.

I reached into my pocket and withdrew the box I’d been carrying with me all day. I popped the lid open to reveal a simple diamond ring that glittered in the sunlight filtering through the trees.

“Kennedy Carter.” My voice shook with emotion, and I drew a deep breath, giving myself a mental pep talk so I could continue. “You are the love of my life. I know we haven’t been back together for long, but it feels like we’ve been waiting forever for our happily ever after. I don’t want to waste any more time. Will you marry me and be with me for the rest of my life?”

Kennedy’s eyes sparkled with tears. Good ones, I hoped.

“Yes, Liam.” Her smile wobbled. She seemed as overcome as I was. “You’re right. Let’s not waste any time. I want to get married and be your wife. I want to have the children we always talked about, and have a life full of love and color.”

I rose to my feet and took her hand, gently sliding the ring onto her finger. “I will cherish you,” I promised. “Every single day.”