Nodding my head slowly, I bent down and kissed Lauren’s neck. Running my tongue along her neck and up to her ear, I whispered into her ear. “I have a surprise for you, sweetheart.”
Lauren’s breathing picked up as I watched her chest rise and fall with each breath. Closing her eyes, she moaned lightly. “Does it involve kissing?”
Smiling against her ear, I whispered, “I hope so.”
Swallowing hard, she asked. “Will we be naked?”
Attempting to hold back my laughter I said, “If we were it might be a bit embarrassing.”
Turning, Lauren peeked up at me. Those beautiful blue eyes held mine as she said, “We won’t be alone for this surprise?”
Spinning her around so she faced me, I cupped my hands to the sides of her face. My heart was racing as I stared into Lauren’s bright eyes. Closing my eyes to savor the moment, I whispered her name. “Lauren. I love you so much.”
Opening my eyes, I was met by her beautiful smile. My knees felt weak as I looked at the woman I would soon be making my wife.
“I love you too, Colt. So very much.”
“Are you tired?”
Shaking her head, she sucked her lower lip between her teeth. “No.”
Gently placing my lips to hers, I spoke softly. “Good, because I want to take you somewhere.”
“O-okay.”
Guiding Lauren back out into the living room, I had her sit down at the bar. “Want something to drink?”
Shaking her head, she took a seat on the bar stool. Turning, I grabbed my suitcase and Lauren’s and brought them both into the bedroom. Setting mine down on the luggage rack, I opened it up and pulled the ring box out and pushed it into my pocket. The gondolas were now closed but somehow my future father-in-law had arranged for one once we got here. I couldn’t very well marry Lauren tomorrow without asking her properly and giving her an engagement ring. Picking up the phone in the bedroom, I hit zero for the hotel operator.
“Hello, front desk.”
“Um, hello. This is Colt Mathews in room thirteen twenty-seven.”
“Yes, Mr. Mathews. We have that gondola waiting if you are ready.”
My adrenaline immediately rushed through my body. This was the first step.
“Perfect, on our way now.” Hanging up the phone, I dragged in a deep breath and held it for a moment in an attempt to calm my beating heart down.
Walking back out into the living room I reached for her hand. Giving me a sexy grin, Lauren slid off the bar stool and allowed me to guide her out the door. Making our way down to the plaza, Lauren snuggled into my side.
“Are you sure you’re not too tired? I don’t want you to overdo anything, Lauren.”
Letting out a chuckle, Lauren shook her head. “I promise, I’m not tired. I’m too excited to sleep right now, and I promise if I get to feeling bad, I’ll let you know.”
As we made our way over to where the gondola waited for us, I wrapped my arm around Lauren’s waist. Lauren went on and on about how Grace and Meg would go out of their minds with all the stores there. Nodding to the gondolier, he smiled and reached his hand out for mine. “Mr. Mathews? Ms. Reynolds?”
Lauren’s mouth dropped open. “How did you know our names?” Lauren asked with a wide grin. Knowing how much Lauren loved surprises, I couldn’t help but smile and fist pump internally at how happy she looked.
Holding Lauren’s hand in mine, I helped her into the gondola. The gondolier got in and began taking us down the indoor river. As we moved about, the gondolier sang two songs while I held Lauren in my arms.
“Oh, Colt. This is so romantic.”
Smiling, I placed my cheek against her cheek. “Grams and Gramps honeymooned in Venice.”
Turning and looking at me, Lauren smiled. “Really?”
Shaking my head, I said, “Yep, they sure did. If there is one thing I want to do Lauren, it’s make you happy for the rest of our lives.”
Leaning her head back into my chest, Lauren closed her eyes and said, “Colt, you make me so happy. I can’t imagine being any happier.”
Having already taken the ring out of my pocket, I held it in my left hand. Lauren still lay against my chest with her eyes closed. Peeking up at the gondolier, he smiled and gave me a head nod. Reaching my hands out, I opened the box and held it in front of Lauren.
Brilliant round diamonds that extended down the bands surrounded the princess cut diamond. The light it was casting off was breathtaking.
“Lauren, will you do me the honor of making me the happiest man on Earth, and say you’ll marry me?”
