Chapter Text
Shameless plug time: Don't forget to head over to SW_Andersen on twitter or swandersenwrites dot com for updates on my next book. A hearty thank you to all who have supported my journey into publishing. You guys are the best!
Oh and thanks to Patriotsgirl for the proposal idea :D
Time for some BoLo goodness!
Chapter 23
Twenty seven days, twelve hours and sixteen minutes later
I wandered through the shops downtown in the middle of a Monday afternoon. No one would ever believe I was capable of such a thing during a work day, yet here I was, thinking and walking. My feet carried me along without input from my busy mind to some direction I had yet to figure out. Most everything was a daze anyhow, so where I ended up didn't matter.
Ever since we got back from Seattle, my mind had been spinning over asking Bo to marry me. Like some kind of clock was counting down in my head, each moment of my life revolved around the heart-stoppingly wonderful, yet terribly agonizing, chore of ring shopping and mulling over how to propose. Every second longer that I waited, the weight of it made it harder to breath. If I didn't act soon, I might suffocate. It wasn't that it was a horrible idea or that I was going to dread being married. Quite the opposite really, but it was such a daunting task and one I had absolutely no idea how to navigate. Shawna and Mandy had given me some advice, but despite their encouragement, I had yet to put anything into motion.
I'd stopped at several ring stores and shopped around on the internet. The whole idea was frightening even with the unquestionable amount of love I had for her. I wasn't alone. Every time she looked at me I could see it. She practically emanated love to the point that I could feel it. And when she touched me...so tender and careful, there was really nothing like it.
Twenty minutes later I paused in front of a familiar shop and stared through the window. Every muscle in my body was buzzing with a nervous energy.
Despite our love, there was an immense amount of fear. Marriage was a big step for anyone. For me, it was more like a Grand Canyon sized leap considering I had never given it a moments thought before I met Bo. But damned if that brunette bombshell didn't walk in and obliterate every truth I held to about my wants and needs in life. I still wanted to sell cars and make money. I still wanted to close deals and put snooty customers in their place, but not long ago I believed that those were all the things I ever needed. Just like dad.
But now all I needed was Bo.
The other things were great, but I could never go back to the way I was before I met her. So with that thought planted firmly in my head, I forced down the nerves in my stomach and pushed through the door of the antique jewelry store. A few weeks ago I had stopped in and found several rings I thought Bo would like. One had caught my eye the most. It was a one of a kind beauty, just like Bo.
I balled my fists to hide my shaky hands. I couldn't believe how nauseous I was buying a ring. How bad would it be to actually ask her?
For a moment I contemplated walking out. Maybe Bo would ask me. That would be the best solution, but the vibe I was feeling was that it was all on me. I was the one that always made the first move, but I was also the one that expressed more fears along the way. Bo had never pushed our pace. She had been content to let our relationship take its course and maybe that was because of the all cautions flags I kept putting out. Even though we had enjoyed more than enough green flag laps with one minor red flag during the first trip to Seattle when Bo went full out bitch, she always had an ease about her. Like she knew we would be together despite any of her own nerves and she was just waiting for me to come to terms. Or maybe she just had a better game face than I gave her credit for. Or...or maybe, just maybe, Bo Dennis was every bit as scared as I was and completely petrified to fuck it up.
God I better not fuck this up. But why would she ever say no?
I'd pretty much psyched myself out and decided to get the hell out of the store when Beyonce's "Single Ladies" came on the store radio.
"If you like it then you better put a ring on it," I mumbled though a heavy sigh before I turned and approached the counter.
Suck it up Lewis and make Bo Dennis yours for life.
The older lady from last my visit smiled warmly. Her blue eyes sparkled upon recognition."Ms. Lewis, welcome back. Have you made a decision or are you still shopping?" She reached up and brushed some stray silvery hairs from her glasses as she awaited my response.
"Umm..." I was truly going to be sick. I glanced around nervously. There was only one other couple in the store. They clung to one another desperately with blinding smiles as they gushed over the possible choices. I imagined the smile Bo would have when I was down on one knee with ring in hand. "I'm ready. I think." My eyes drifted along the case looking for the one I wanted. My heart sunk a little when I didn't see it. "Maybe, I don't know. I don't see it." My shoulders slumped and an ache settled into my chest. There were a couple I liked, but I was set on one and I really didn't want to have to think about it anymore.
"Which one...ohhh wait," she said with a beaming smile. "I know the one you want. It's being polished. Be right back."
In a flash she bolted to the back room, returning seconds later with a small green box and a smile ten times bigger than when she left.
"Is this the one?" She opened the box slowly.
The moment I caught sight of the ring, my heart skipped. It was so very Bo and just like that, everything changed. My smile jumped to the edges of my face as I looked up at her. She was just as excited as I was. "Yes. Yes, that's the one."
Thank god.
"I need it sized to a six please."
"It's your lucky day. That's what its sized at right now. Would you like to take it today?"
I nodded, unable to form words as a category five hurricane of emotions blew through me, nearly knocking me off my feet.
This was real. I was going to do this. I was going to ask Bo Dennis to be my wife.
A half hour later I left the store with the certified vintage eight plus karat oval cut diamond set in a diamond and sapphire encrusted eighteen karat rose gold band tucked tight into my pants pocket.
Every few steps I'd reach down and pat my pocket to be sure it was still there. Part of me was settled now that the purchase had been made, but the other part was feeling the pressure now more than ever.
My phone buzzed. I pulled it from my back pocket and read Mandy's name on the screen. She was going to flip out that I finally pulled the trigger.
"Hey Mandy."
"Lauren, what's goin' on?"
"Not much. Work. What's goin' on with you."
"Eh, ya know, S.O.S."
"I know the feeling. season's almost over right?"
"Yeah, so I'll probably be down to bother you guys soon."
We shared a laugh. We used to get into some good trouble during her off seasons. That was all changed now, but I still looked forward to spending time with my best friend.
"No girlfriend yet?"
"No. Not officially anyway. I have been seeing this one chick a few times for fun."
"That's how it all starts."
"Yeah, well how about you. Have a fiance yet?"
"No. Not officially."
"Geeze Lauren, what are you waiting for? You're not a slow lane kinda gal. Pedal to the metal babe."
"You really have no idea the stress of buying a ring for a billionaire much less asking someone to marry you."
"No I don't. Never been close to marriage, but how hard can a ring be? Just pick a shiny one."
I could see her rolling her eyes at me, but this really was no easy task. Bo had everything. What do you get her? And what would she expect? She didn't seem to care much about shiny objects, but what she did have was the best.
"Mandy, how do you buy a ring for a billionaire?" I sighed. This had been a large part of my struggle. "I mean, she can afford anything. Far more than I could give her and while that isn't the point of a ring, I don't want it to be something that feels inferior to her standards or whatever. Ya know?"
"Yeah, I guess I see your point."
"Then there's her parents, who I don't even want to hear any shit from them about the size of the ring. Her mother walks around with one of the biggest diamonds I've ever seen. I don't think Bo cares about that, but still..."
"I get it, but relax. I'm sure whatever you get will be fine. She loves you and that's all that matters. Besides, if I know you, you won't be going all cheapskate either."
"You're right about that. I just dropped a pretty penny on a unique vintage ring."
"Holy shit! You bought one? You have to send me a picture."
"I did and I will when I get back to the office. I'm too afraid something will happen if I open the box in public," I said in a nervous laugh as I patted my pocket again for reassurance. I'd never bought anything besides a car for ninety grand.
"I wish I was there. Congratulations Lauren. You guys are disgustingly perfect together."
"Don't jinx me Mandy."
"Puh-lease. You got this. You got her forever. Get used to it, because very soon she will officially be yours."
Mine. I like the sound of that.
"Too bad her sister isn't more like her. I could use a billionaire wife. Then we could globe trot together in our fancy private jets." She laughed.
"Maybe one day my friend. Hey, I gotta go, Bo's calling. I'll let you know how it goes. I hope to do it this Sunday."
"Good luck. Later Lauren."
A quick touch of the screen shifted my call to the woman I loved more than I ever imagined possible. "Hello Bo," I purred.
"Hello to you. I was just thinking about you and I had to hear your voice," she purred right back.
"I love that you think about me." My smile stretched farther and farther toward my eyes.
"I love to be thinking about you. Especially when you're naked." Bo had her sexy voice on. The one that made me tingle all over. "Have you thought about me today?"
"Me? About you? Nah, sorry. I've been super busy," I teased envisioning her cute little pout when she didn't get the answer she wanted.
"Is that a fact? Well, I guess I will have to work harder then. I want to be the only thing on your mind."
If she only knew that she was practically all I'd been thinking about for the last month. Still, I had to rile her up. "You can try, but I am a very busy lady."
"Too busy to have dinner tonight?"
"A girl does have to eat. What time?"
"Seven. I will meet you at the dinner table."
"You got a date pretty lady."
"Perfect. I've hardly seen you the last few days."
"I know. We've both had a crazy schedule, but we will remedy that in a few hours."
"Great. I love you, Lauren."
"I love you too, Bo."
I hung up the phone with a renewed confidence. I had to strike while the iron was hot. Without delay, I pressed the voice dial button on the phone. "Call Evelyn."
On the third ring Evelyn answered her cell. "Hello Lauren. How are you and my daughter fairing?"
"Hello Evelyn. We are well. How are you and Alyn?"
"Fantastic. Enjoying a week in San Diego. I adore the weather here."
"That sounds wonderful. Glad you are enjoying yourselves."
"That we are. To what do I owe the pleasure of your call?" Her voice had a certain confidence to it, as if she already knew the reason.
"I was actually hoping to speak to Alyn, but I didn't have his number."
"You're in luck, he is right here. Hold on."
I heard the muffled sounds of her telling him who was on the line. Thankfully, he didn't sound annoyed. I would hate to disturb him.
"Hello Lauren. What can I do for you?"
My confidence dissolved into a ball of nerves again. "I um.."
Don't stammer. You're a closer. You got this, Lauren.
I cleared my throat and started again. "As you know, Bo and I have been together for close to a year now and I love your daughter more than I ever imagined being able to love another person. She makes me unbelievably happy and I want nothing more than to do the same for her for the rest of our lives. Alyn, I would like your permission to marry Ysabeau."
"Lauren, you've witnessed first hand the trials and tribulations that come with being a part of the Dennis Family." He paused, leaving me in agony.
Oh god. He's going to say no. I could die right now. This shit was so hard. Who's idea was it to ask parents for permission anyway?
I swallowed hard as he finally began again.
"With that said, you have handled them with beauty and grace and made our daughter happier than we've ever seen her. It would be our honor to have you as a part of our family, as long as you recognize and respect that marrying Ysabeau comes with new responsibilities."
"Yes sir, I do and I willingly accept all that comes with loving Bo, now and forever."
"Then you have my blessing and that of Evelyn. We hope you two will have long happy life together." I could hear the smile in his voice and Evelyn voicing her approval in the background.
I let out a slow, relieved breath. My head spun like crazy, making me stop and lean against the wall to steady myself. I was happy I could form words at all. "Thank you Alyn and please send my regards to Evelyn as well."
"I will. Be sure to have her call us as soon as she says yes."
"I will." My heart raced and I wiped my sweaty palm on my pants. "Thank you again. I must get going. We are meeting for dinner soon. Have a good evening."
"You too Lauren and take good care of our Ysabeau."
"You know I will." I hung up the phone and walked with a little extra skip in my step. One major hurdle down and one to go.
Sunday would be the day that I would close the most important deal of my life.
XXX
Sunday
I had it all planned out and now my biggest problem was not acting so nervous around Bo. She'd already questioned me a couple of times and I'd caught her watching me with suspicious eyes a few others. Cool. I needed to be cool already.
"Bo, you ready for our ride?"
"Of course. You know how much I love that car." She strode up beside me with a jacket and her bag in hand. "And you." She pecked me on the cheek.
"Mhm. I like how I was the afterthought there." I had to tease her knowing good and well she'd have a comeback with my affection for the old Austin- Healy.
"Don't even. You have no room there Missy." She smirked and nudged me as we walked out to the car.
"I know, I know. I love that car, but I had to give you a hard time."
"I would expect nothing less from you."
We exchanged smiles as she got into the passenger side and I placed the picnic basket in the trunk. I reached under the blanket I had stashed back there earlier that hid the ring and my surprise, checking once again that everything was set. Before I closed the trunk, I took one more deep breath in hopes I could calm down. I knew she would say yes, yet the closer the time came, the more nervous I got.
I shook out my hands and moved to the driver door, forcing a big grin on my face as I glanced at Bo and then plopped behind the wheel. As soon as I backed out of the driveway, our fingers found one another and interlaced on the center console has we had several times before in this car. With Bo's left hand in my right, I chanced a look down. This would be the last time we would do this without a ring on her finger. That one thought sent my heart into overdrive and an honest smile stretched across my face. I couldn't resist pressing the accelerator a little harder as I raced toward a future with Bo.
It was a perfectly clear Las Vegas morning in Red Rocks. There was a chill in the air as winter set in and brought night temperatures into the forties and fifties. I loved the cooler weather. Sweater weather was invigorating, even though it was a bummer that Bo often covered up as well. At least in Vegas that was only a small portion of the year.
I drove us to the site of our first date. We'd come here a few times since it was one of my favorite places, so at least Bo wouldn't be suspicious. We strolled hand in hand along the trail, stopping a few times to enjoy the amazing views or to steal a few kisses. Conversation was good and the mood light. Everything was going perfectly.
When we returned to the car, I grabbed the basket, wrapped the blanket to hide my surprise and escorted my girlfriend and soon to be fiance to our favorite rocky overlook.
There was no way I'd be able to eat before I asked her. Originally my plan was to enjoy our snacks and relax, but there was absolutely no way I would get through that without either throwing up or giving myself away. My body was a buzz with nervous excitement, much the way I felt before my first rally car race. I reached deep for control, trying to get into the zone so I wouldn't be a stumbling fool when the moment came, but no matter what happened, I knew that in the next twenty minutes my life would change in the most beautiful of ways.
New plan.
I assigned Bo the task of unloading the basket while I set out the blanket and poured mimosas. She handed me the glasses, champagne and orange juice and went to work setting the food on the tray. I quickly spread out the blanket, setting the box below eye level, before pouring our drinks and setting them aside and waiting less than patiently as Bo finished. She smiled at me as she set the tray full of goodies beside the drinks.
"This was a great idea Lauren. I'm really seeing why you love this place so much. Every time we come here I see something new, especially as the seasons and lighting changes. Beautiful." She smiled softly and ran her hand down my arm.
We were going to love it for a whole other reason in a minute. "Glad we can share this place. It is beautiful, but not nearly as beautiful as you."
Her cheeks tinged pink as she thanked me and placed a sweet kiss upon my lips.
I offered my hand to help her get situated on the rock. It wasn't very high, but afforded us the best view. Her legs dangled a few inches from the ground and she smiled down at me. "Coming up?"
"Just one second."
Her brow rose quizzically and a hint of a smile pulled at the corner of her mouth.
"I got you a little something," I said as I scooped down and opened the box to my surprise gift with a bigger surprise inside.
She watched me closely as I came back up with a model of my Austin-Healey One Hundred S painted exactly to match.
"I know this was the one car you always wanted and didn't get, so I wanted to give you one of your own." The words flowed smoothly, but now that the moment was upon us, my heart was creeping further into my throat and breaths grew more shallow. I prayed that the most important words of my life so far would come out.
Bo beamed and accepted the car going on and on about the level of detail as she turned it this way and that checking every angle.
"It even has an engine and everything opens just like real," I choked out with far more confidence than I was feeling. It took all my strength not to fall down the way my knees were shaking.
"Oh yeah. Cool," she gushed as she stared at the engine and opened the driver door. She turned it so the trunk faced her, smiling brighter when she saw a little picnic basket inside. "Aww." She reached inside, "This is amazing. Thank you ,La-" her words caught in her throat, her mouth dropped open in shock.
Bo's eyes turned glassy reading the handwritten proposal inside and when she looked my way, she nearly dropped the car. Her free hand covered her mouth as a gasp escaped at the sight of me on one knee with a ring box held high displaying the antique diamond I'd bought her. "Lauren, oh my god. Is this...oh my god." Tears flowed freely now and I had to fight not to turn into a blubbering mess along with her.
Seeing her so overcome with joy made all the thought I'd put into this so much more special. This was everything I'd hoped for, now I just needed to finish strong.
"Ysabeau Marie Dennis. From the moment you walked into my dealership you had a hold on me and when you stormed out, you drove away with my heart. I didn't know right away why I was so driven to keep you from buying from anywhere else, but the moment I saw you again, I knew that there was no going back. I no longer want to be Lauren Lewis married to the car business. I want to be Lauren Lewis married to Bo Dennis, the kind, beautiful, amazing woman who I love more than cars. Every single one of them. Bo, would you do me the honor of being my wife?"
I'd made it through, not without tears, but I was steady and sure and my question was met with a resounding yes after she carefully set the car down and then jumped into my arms. The force knocked me backwards, barely keeping the both of us from tumbling backwards as she kissed me harder and with more passion than I'd ever been kissed in my life.
"Yes." She giggled and kissed me twice more. "Yes, Lauren Lewis. I will marry you."
Quickly I slid the ring onto her finger and then wrapped my arms around her tight. I lifted her slightly off the ground as I parted her lips and deepened the kiss. Everything about this moment felt right. I couldn't picture anything better. "I love you, my buxom, brunette, bombshell."
"You forgot billionaire," she laughed and peppered my jaw with tender kisses.
"My apologies, Ms. Dennis."
"Well considering you nailed this proposal, I will let it slide."
"Thank you." We were all smiles. Ridiculously gigantic smiles.
"I love you too, sexy car lady. I can't wait to be your wife."
Bo and I stood there frozen in time in our favorite place, sharing passionate kisses under a perfect morning sky. Her left hand cupped my cheek. The cold of the golden band against my heated skin sent tingles through my body in a rush like I'd never before experienced. I never thought kissing her could ever feel more wonderful than it already did, but something about slipping that ring on her finger and seeing the love sparkling in her eyes that was only for me, made each one sweeter. I couldn't imagine how it would it would feel after we said "I do."
"Me neither, Bo. Me neither. But right now, I am beyond excited to call you my fiance."
She nibbled her lip and stared deep into my eyes. "I love the sound of that." She leaned in slowly and pressed her lips to mine once more as my hands threaded through her hair, moving slowly in a dance we've danced so many times before, but never with as much emotion.
My heart was full.
Best. Close. Ever!
XXX
Finally! So what did you think? Did Lauren do good?