Descending the wooden staircase of the old inn, the soft glow from the wall sconces illuminated each of my steps. A flutter of nerves danced in my stomach as I anticipated meeting Constantine downstairs.

At the base of the steps, Constantine awaited. He looked effortlessly handsome in black slacks and a black button-down shirt, his hair styled just the way I loved it.

His eyes met mine, and a slow smile spread across his face. “You look stunning,” he murmured, closing the distance between us. His eyes journeyed over my outfit in appreciation. Izzy had purchased the ivory-colored dress as a birthday gift this morning. “Breathtaking.”

A blush warmed my cheeks. “You’re not so bad yourself,” I teased, slipping my hand into his.

Colin and Lennon appeared from around the corner, ready to join us. I assumed the others would be meeting us at dinner. “Much better than scrubs, Ma,” Colin teased.

I’d take any compliment I could get from that kid.

Constantine held the door open, and the four of us stepped outside, greeted by the crisp air.

The village of Carbost was incredibly peaceful. The cobblestone streets glistened under the soft light of the streetlamps, the distant sounds of waves adding to the ambiance.

Constantine’s grip on my hand tightened slightly. “I have a surprise for you.”

“Another one? You’ve already outdone yourself,” I replied, my curiosity piqued.

He smiled as a response, continuing to lead the way down the narrow street.

Colin and Lennon walked ahead of us, their fingers intertwined, her head resting on his shoulder. Two young kids in love. She was growing on me more and more each day.

As we turned a corner, the strumming of a guitar filled the air, and the scent of the sea grew stronger. Ahead, there was a courtyard adorned with twinkling lights. A three-person band played a soft melody, and familiar faces—Easton, Gwen, Izzy, and Hudson—stood waiting and smiling.

I leaned into Constantine, taking it all in. From the flickering flames of a nearby fire pit creating dancing shadows, to the silhouette of the mountains beneath the starlit sky.

Constantine released my hand and turned to face me, his eyes full of emotion. He took in a deep breath and undid the first button of his shirt. “There is something else I asked your father when we spoke.” His voice was tinged with nervousness.

Before I could make sense of what he was suggesting, he dropped to one knee, producing a burgundy-colored ring box from his pocket.

My body trembled with anticipation as he looked up at me, his deep, soulful eyes locked on to mine.

“Will you make me the happiest man in the world and marry me . . . tonight?” he asked, tears at the corners of his eyes.

Overwhelmed, I reached for his hand, pulling him to stand so we could share whispered words away from our audience.