Finding His Mrs. Right (Mending Hearts Series) (23 page)

Getting down on one knee, I pulled a box out of my left pocket. Staring up at Tessa, I sucked in a hard breath as
I glared into her eyes. My heart was trying to tear its way out of my ribcage because I was afraid of her rejection. In the time that I’ve gotten to know Tessa, she’d changed me for the better. I never thought I’d fall in love, but this woman made me fall hard. She’d tattooed her name on my soul, and there was no getting it off.

“Landon—
I’m afraid to forget about Dean.” She whispered.

Dean—the guy who held her heart for so long. The guy who caused her to run from me
, when I’d first declared my feelings. Thing was, I couldn’t blame her or him. He must’ve been a hell of a guy to get Tessa to fall so hard for him.

“Good because I don’t want you to forget him. Tessa, you loved him and he died. He didn’t break your heart by leaving you
for anyone else. I’d be an asshole if I said forget about him. So instead, hold onto the good times you’ve had with him. But it’s time for you to move on and make new memories with me.” I smiled as she began to cry. This was it, my opportunity to do it, uninterrupted.

“Tessa Winters, will you do me the honor of not fighting with me
, and agree to be my wife?” I smiled up at her as I opened the box.

Her eyes widened as she saw the ring. It was a half million dollar diamond, and I knew I went overboard on it, but if anyone deserved it, it was Tessa
. She had melted my heart and made me love again with little effort. The woman was amazing. I stayed quiet, and impatient, as I waited for her answer.

“Yes.” She whispered.

“Yes?” I asked stunned.

“She said yes! Put the ring on her finger.”
I heard Gwen shout, she had been waiting off to the side in the car with Tyler. I wanted to share this moment with them no matter the outcome. If she had said no, both of us would’ve needed our best friend’s support, to pick up our pieces.

“Gwen!”
Tessa shouted embarrassed as I slipped the ring on her finger.

Gwen, Zach, and Tyler hustled over to us as I stood up and kissed Tessa.

“Thanks.” I mouthed to Zach. He had been in on it since the moment I’d decided to fly to California for Tessa. I wasn’t about to let her slip through my fingers.

“I’m so glad you said yes, let me see the ring!” Gwen shouted grabbing her hand as they both squealed.

“Congratulations.” Tyler said, giving me a hug. We weren’t where we were before, but we were working on it.

“Thanks.” I smiled.

Everything was finally falling into place for me. I’d lost the thing I feared losing most in life, but I’d gained something in return. Not only did I find the woman I’d love for the rest of my life, I was finally going to learn how to live
my
life.

“I love you.” Tessa said turning to kiss me.

“I love you too.” I muttered back, pulling the future Mrs. Brooks into my arms.
I was never going to let her go.