But he’d thought of little else.
He settled onto his couch Sunday evening and was seconds away from popping the top off a beer when his phone lit up.
Mia:Okay.
He closed his eyes and his shoulders relaxed.
Noah:Did you just agree to marry me via text message?
Mia:I’ll do it in person if you open the door.
The knock sounded two seconds later.
He moved the cold beer to one of the Frank Lloyd Wright coasters Mia had gotten him for graduation, stood, and walked the several feet to the front door. Mia stood on his porch looking familiar and beautiful in a white V-neck and jeans. Her black hair was pulled up into a messy ponytail, as if she hadn’t had the patience to deal with it today.
“Hey.” Her voice was soft and a little hesitant, but her dark eyes met his in a steady gaze.
He’d planned to ask if she was sure, but now, having seen her face, he didn’t have to. She might be scared and a little freaked out, but she was sure.
He felt the same.
He stepped to the side. “Come on in.”
They sat side by side on the couch like they always did. She tilted her head when she noticed the beer, but didn’t comment.
“Wanna know what convinced me?” she asked, slipping off her shoes and tucking one foot underneath her thigh.
He lifted his eyes to her face. “Was it because according to Claire, we’ll just end up married at forty, anyway?”
She laughed lightly. “No, but it seemed a little like fate she asked that question that night. It was actually today when I stopped at Target to grab a few things. It wasn’t busy at all, and no one was in line behind me, so I ended up chatting with the cashier for a while.”
He grinned and shook his head. Mia could make friends with the royal guard at Buckingham Palace if given the chance.
“I said something about how I’d probably spend my entire paycheck in the store if I was there every day working.”
“You are there every day.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Noteveryday.”
He’d put money on twice a week. At least.
“Anyway,” she continued. “The lady was probably in her fifties, and she said she liked her job, but it wasn’t where she’d thought she’d end up. Turns out she’d always dreamed of opening up her own quilting store, but never made it happen. Said she’s regretted it ever since. I don’t want to end up in the same situation, even if it means accepting some help.”
Noah heard the struggle in those final words.
He extended his arm along the back of the couch. “I’m glad you’re letting me.”
“Also, I got another one of those stupid affirmation messages today. It saidI will make the most of every opportunity.” She quirked her brow at him and he laughed.
Their pranks were usually limited to desk or computer manipulation, but he had to admit—he’d been proud of himself for coming up with that one.
“My first request as your wife will be that you cancel that. And the animal one.”
“Really? That one seemed kind of cool.”
“I mean, now I know that a shrimp’s heart is located in its head. And every time a bat exits the cave it turns left. But that’s not exactly useful information to me and I need it to stop.”
He processed the fact about shrimps (fascinating) and focused on the matter at hand. “Fine. I’ll cancel them.”