Nate

Ten months later

It's amazing how a few small comments can change everything. I love photographing weddings. It's part falling in love, part Brooke, part the simple comment from the bride who made me realize what a gift it is to be part of someone's happiest moments.

We've had a lot of days together after that first one. Amazing days. Lazy days. Fun days. Being with her is as easy as breathing, and I can't imagine ever wanting anyone else.

Brooke is flipping through her phone, and I know she's making sure she has everything set up and ready for the reception.

I've finished wedding party shots, and now I'm doing shots with just the bride and groom. My assistant of five months is finally settling in, and life is almost perfect. Almost.

"Tilt your head just slightly down, and Mac, put your finger on her chin...yeah. Great." I take a few shots and I know these will be the ones the bride will swoon over later.

"How long were you two engaged?" I ask as the bride stands and Brooke expertly fluffs out her train.

"Almost a year." She shakes her head. "Too long."

"Yeah?" I ask. "How did he ask?"

"Over In N Out Burger." He laughs. "It just came out."

"I'm about to throw my girlfriend," I say, but Brooke doesn't stop adjusting the lace edge to lie just right. And I'm not scared or anything. Just excited.

"Oh yeah?" the bride asks.

"Yeah. I'm going to propose soon. I'm pretty excited about it actually, but I know she's a planner, so I thought I'd give her some warning."

Brooke has frozen, staring at the ground.

"She has this crazy idea that you needed to date for at least a year and then move in for a year, and we don't live together yet, so I'm hoping it all goes okay."

Brooke slowly turns toward me, and I smile.

"Now she can put something in her phone." I tilt my head to the side as I watch her eyes widen. "Only my big question is what will she say?"

Brooke's lips tremble as a smile starts to fill her face. "Maybe something like, Tell Nate yes when he asks me to marry him?"

I set my camera in the hands of my intern lackey and get down on one knee.

Brooke does the typical hands over the mouth gesture, but it's real and genuine and I pull the ring from my pocket. "Only you, Brooke. Forever. I love you."

She comes at me so fast she knocks me to the grass, but still manages to end up with the ring box in her hand.

"So that's a yes?" I ask, laughing as I sit up, pulling her with me and holding her close-everything about her comfortable, familiar, and perfect.

"A huge yes." She throws her arms around my neck and presses her nose to my cheek.

"You wanna write it in your phone so you can check it off?" I tease.

Brooke's lips find mine. "It's already there."

Hey y'all, thanks for your time and I do hope you enjoyed the book.

Not to keep you waiting, am working on my next book titled. Baby.

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