Nurse to Heal the High Seas Doc - Chapter 20

Shane tapped his hand against his leg as he looked around the park. Nicole had texted to say she needed ten more minutes, but she was on her way.

He could hardly get upset. He’d had a whole plan for how he was going to propose. A seven-step plan. That would happen when he paid off the last of his debt, which he was on track to do in six more months. Something that would not have been possible without Nicole taking on the larger share of the financial load for their townhome.

They were building a life. Together. And he wanted that life now. He’d had a plan and it had not included a picnic lunch in the park across from the hospital. But he’d woken up this morning and the ability to wait was gone. Shane wanted his ring on her hand.

Nicole walked up, grinning at the sight of the picnic. “What a lovely day for this surprise.”

There was a surprise, indeed. He slid to his knee, pulling the ring from his back pocket.

“Yes.” She slid to the ground with him, her hands on his face. “Yes.”

Shane laughed. “I didn’t ask a question.” But this was one time he certainly didn’t mind her rushing into something. The pure glee in her eyes was a memory he’d carry forever.

Nicole’s amber gaze held his, sparkling with joy. “Then ask, so I can say yes!”

“Will you marry me?”

“Yes!” She held her hand out. “Yes.” Her lips on his before he could slide the ring on her finger.

When they finally separated, Shane pushed the ring down her finger. “I love you.”

“Love you too.” Nicole sighed. “I know we just got engaged and I am thrilled, but also…” Her stomach let out a giant grumble.

“Let’s get you fed.” Shane pulled out the pulled pork sandwiches and veggies he’d packed.

Nicole bit into the sandwich and sighed. “I will always be partial to our first picnic, but I like the ones we have without to-go boxes.”

This was love. The everyday. The mundane. The perfection he never wanted to be without.