Chapter Sixteen

Now…

A week later, Whitney grabbed the biggest wineglass she could find, poured half the bottle of Merlot into it, and carried her laptop into the living room, where Trent was watching a soccer game. Her inbox boasted sixty-two unanswered emails, and if she waited until the next day to reply to them, there would only be more and she’d never get her workload under control.

The executives from Race Across America were super high-maintenance, and the contracts and documents they required signed and completed immediately to move forward were weighing on her. Their legal department had had several concerns, and she needed to finalize these negotiations soon. The mayor was on vacation for three weeks with her husband in Greece, and Scott had admitted that legal documents weren’t his area of expertise.

Whitney sat on the opposite end of the couch and opened the laptop. Logging into her remote access, she clicked on the link to her email just as Trent lay down on the couch. He stretched out and placed his head against her leg.

She glanced at him and shifted more to the right, but he just repositioned himself. “Trent? I’m trying to work.”

“Oh, sorry…” He sat up and shifted closer, propping his feet up on the coffee table instead. A habit of his that drove her crazy.

On the television, the game was blaring, and blocking out the noise was challenging. She read and reread the first email three times before realizing it didn’t even need a reply.

Shutting the laptop, she stood. “I’m going to go work in the bedroom.”

“Is the TV too loud? I can turn it down,” he said.

“It’s fine. Enjoy the game.”

Inside the bedroom, she sat cross-legged on the bed and opened the latest draft of the contract from Race Across America. Scanning it, the font swam together on the screen, and her temples throbbed.

Not now.

“Hey, I was going to run out to pick up sushi for dinner. You cool with that?” Trent asked, popping his head around the bedroom door.

“I’m not hungry.”

“When was the last time you ate?”

Who knows? Breakfast? The evening before? She vaguely remembered a half-eaten protein bar melting on her desk from the sun shining through her office window, but was that today or a week ago? She had no idea. “I’m fine, Trent.”

“I can get Chinese food instead from Wong’s. Your favorite.”

“Get whatever you like.” She closed down the document and opened her email.

“Do you need more wine? I could swing by the—”

“Trent! I’m good.” The look of surprise on his face made her soften her tone. “I’m sorry. I just have a lot of work to get done.” Since the Halloween party, things had gotten even more hectic. The Christmas season was fast approaching now that it was November. It was as though on the stroke of midnight on the thirty-first of October, everything went from pumpkin spice everything to peppermint and pine trees.

With the Race Across America pitch demanding so much time, she was falling behind schedule on everything else on her to-do list.

Trent came into the room. “Anything I can help with?” He sat on the bed and shimmied closer, propping pillows behind his back, obviously intending to stay.

She couldn’t work with him distracting her. He meant well, but just the sound of his breathing was irritating when she was trying and failing to focus on the complicated legal documents she could barely read without enlarging the font on her computer.

She forced a tight smile as she turned to face him. “You know, I am hungry. Chinese food would be great.” Anything to get an hour to herself.

“Done.” Trent jumped up off the bed. “I’ll be back in a flash,” he said as he kissed her forehead and then left the room.

“Take your time,” she mumbled to herself.

…

“Hey, boss, you ready for the pitch meeting this afternoon?” Scott asked, popping his head around the corner of her office door the next day.

“Almost…” Whitney barely looked up as she answered. In two hours, they were meeting with the Hollywood executives in the hopes of selling them on the idea of Blue Moon Bay for a checkpoint stop as part of the race. The number of tourists an event like that would bring to the community during their non-peak season would give them another huge boost in becoming a better-known tourist destination. The television coverage of the beautiful small town would be worth a million dollars in advertising. It would help put Blue Moon Bay on the map, and while Whitney had been reluctant about the idea in the beginning, she was determined to succeed now.

“Need me to look over anything?”

She hesitated…

Team player, remember.

And as much as she hated to admit it, it might be a good idea to have a second set of eyes on the presentation, in case she couldn’t trust her own. “Sure. Have a seat.”

Scott sat across from her, and she printed the latest draft of the pitch, sliding it toward him while she cued up the slideshow presentation on her computer screen. He scanned the draft with all the key selling points and nodded. “This looks fantastic.”

“Really? I mean, thank you.” She cleared her throat. “It was a team effort.” The tip that the show was airing for a third season and that producers were looking for new challenge sites for contestants had come from Scott. “This was a great idea.”

He smiled. “Let’s see the slideshow,” he said, sitting forward on the edge of the chair to watch.

Whitney pressed play, and the pictures and video clips of the town appeared. The surfing shots had turned out perfectly, and the drone footage over Main Street and along the jagged coast was breathtaking. The sandy shores and the clear blue water. Images of Dove’s Nest B&B and the fantastic restaurants… It definitely featured all the best that Blue Moon Bay had to offer.

Ten minutes later, he was shaking his head. “I don’t know how you do it. You make Blue Moon Bay sound like the best place on earth.”

“Isn’t it?”

Scott didn’t look convinced. “I’m partial to more exotic locations.”

Huh, maybe her job wasn’t in as much jeopardy as she’d thought. Scott hadn’t found a place in town, still doing the commute.

“And I get the feeling this small-town pace isn’t quite your style, either,” he said.

Damn, he was definitely perceptive. There was a time she couldn’t wait to get out of Blue Moon Bay and see the world. But that was in the past and not something she wanted to share with Scott.

She cleared her throat. “Well, for today…this place is the best place on earth, and we need to convince those Hollywood execs.”

He grinned. “Got it. You know, you and Trent should totally apply to be contestants on the show.”

She eyed him. “Trying to get rid of me?”

“No way. I mean it—I think you two would win for sure, husband-and-wife team…”

“We’re not married yet.” Why had she said that?

“Okay, engaged-couple team. With your brain and Trent’s muscle, you two would kill it at the checkpoint challenges,” he said.

She could barely make it across the parking lot these days without her legs aching, “Racing across America” on a television show was not happening. “I’ll pass.”

“Just saying, you two are a power couple.”

Were they? The last few months had been a little touch and go, but she wanted to continue to believe they would pull through.

Her cell phone rang on the desk beside her, and the Rejuvenation number lit up the screen. She hesitated, glancing at Scott. “My mom’s senior facility.”

“Go ahead,” Scott said, picking up the pitch again and reading in an offer of privacy.

Whitney hesitated but answered on the third ring. “Hello?” Please don’t let there be anything wrong today.

“Hi, Whitney, this is Marla from Rejuvenation.”

“Yes, hi, Marla. Everything okay?”

“Everything’s fine. We were just wondering if you were on your way.”

Shit. What day was it? She opened her Outlook calendar, but there was nothing scheduled. “I’m sorry, Marla. What am I forgetting?”

“Dr. Tyler is here to see your mom.”

She’d totally forgotten her mother’s monthly doctor’s visit was that afternoon. She looked at the clock. Could she get to Rejuvenation and back before the meeting? She had no other choice than to try. The doctor’s appointments were really important. She needed the update on her mother’s condition.

“Okay. I’m on the way. Please apologize to him for the wait. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

“Thanks, Whitney. See you soon,” Marla said before she disconnected the call.

Whitney slid her swollen feet back into the heels under the desk and grabbed her purse.

“Everything okay with your mom?” Scott asked, standing.

“Yes…I just need to head over there. I should be back in time for the meeting.”

“Are you sure? I can take over as point person on this one if you can’t make it back.”

She hoped it wouldn’t come to that. “I should be able to make it…but just in case…” She opened her email and sent him a copy of her slideshow. The one she’d spent weeks putting together. Four drafts and countless hours getting the visuals and wording just right. “I just forwarded you the presentation.”

“Great. Don’t worry. Go take care of your mom. I can handle it if you’re not here,” he said, following her out of her office.

She hesitated. That’s what she was afraid of. “Okay. Thank you. But I’m sure I’ll make it back in time.”

…

Then…

The bar’s grand opening event had been a huge success.

“You and Trent really pulled this off,” Jess said to her as they collected empty beer mugs and wineglasses from the tables throughout the tavern, well after midnight. “You two make a really great team.”

Whitney smiled, exhausted but exhilarated by the amazing turnout that evening. “We really do.” They’d worked together for weeks, planning and organizing the event, and with her marketing expertise and connections and his hard work and dedication, the event had been a bigger hit than they’d anticipated. The bar had been open a few months now and had been doing well, but that evening’s official grand opening had really solidified the new establishment in the small town.

“I meant in more ways than one,” Jess said, sending her a knowing grin.

Whitney blushed, catching Trent’s loving gaze from across the bar. His tired, lopsided grin as he wiped the wooden surface made her heart race. She wholeheartedly agreed. They were perfect together.

Unfortunately, the next day, her commitment to the relationship was put to the test.

“Knock-knock,” a male voice said, tapping on her open office door.

Whitney looked up in surprise to see the rep from Bacardi. She’d been working with the man from L.A. for weeks, as they were the official liquor sponsor for Trent’s Tavern, offering prizes and free drinks, but had only met him face-to-face the night before at the event. “Hi, James…”

“The receptionist wasn’t at her desk. Okay if I come in?” he asked.

“Sure, of course.” She sat straighter as he entered and took the seat across from her. He was dressed casually in jeans and a sweater, his peppered gray hair gelled back, but there was a definite air of business radiating from him. “Did you enjoy the event?” she asked.

Was he here to pull his sponsorship? Had they reconsidered? Her pulse raced, and she wiped sweaty palms against her dress pants, her mind already reeling with a list of other liquor suppliers she could reach out to.

“It was fantastic. Really great job,” he said.

Her shoulders relaxed.

“But what really impressed me was you.”

She blinked. Her?

James leaned forward and folded his hands on her desk. “The last few weeks have been one of the smoothest business transactions I’ve had in years. Your professionalism and knowledge of the marketing side of this business was ultimately what led to our decision to sponsor the location.”

She wasn’t sure what to say. The compliment was the highlight of her career, but she couldn’t take all the credit. “Trent will make a wonderful business p-partner,” she stammered.

“Oh, I know he will,” James said. “But I’m here to offer you an opportunity.”

Whitney swallowed hard. “What kind of opportunity?”

“We are looking for a new East Coast rep. You’d be essentially on the opposite end of these kinds of negotiations. You’d visit bars and restaurants all over the East Coast and discover the ones we should partner with.”

She gaped. “Travel all over the East Coast?”

He nodded. “The job consists of about seventy percent travel. All expenses covered and a great starting salary. Perfect for a young, single, ambitious person starting out in their career. It’s where I started with the company before I married and had kids,” he said with a wistful longing that made her think he missed those good old days. “What do you think? Interested?”

“Oh…um…” Was she? A few months ago, she’d have jumped at the opportunity. No hesitation. Since completing her online degree, she’d applied to dozens of opportunities in the city with bigger companies, but she’d never gotten an opportunity to prove her skills and that she was just as capable as a candidate with a more impressive résumé.

Months ago, she’d already be packing her things. But now, things were different… “Can I think about it?”

He seemed slightly surprised, as though he’d actually expected her to sign an employment contract on the spot. And she wasn’t completely sure why she wasn’t. He was right. She was young, ambitious, starting out in her career…but she wasn’t exactly single, and while the relationship with Trent was new and not something she should base huge life decisions on…it was important to her. She wasn’t quite ready to make this leap without considering what it meant for them.

Which in itself told her almost everything she needed to know.

“Just a few days,” she said at his silence.

He nodded and stood. “Of course. Think about it and let me know.” He headed toward the door. “But just a heads-up that we have a new trainee program starting in three days in L.A.…so don’t take too long.”

Three days to consider a whole new life path. “I won’t,” she said, trying to sound confident over the tightening of her chest. “And thank you.”

He tapped the doorframe and left the office, and Whitney sat there conflicted.

The job opportunity of a lifetime had just presented itself. One she’d never dreamed possible, but one that was offering her the lifestyle she’d always said she wanted.

And all she could think about was if she could truly live without seeing Trent’s loving gaze every day.

…

He’d be supportive of whatever Whitney decided.

The job opportunity was one she deserved, one she’d excel at…one that would take her away from him.

Trent’s chest tightened at the thought.

Long-distance relationships were tough but not impossible. They’d make it work. He could take a few days off every month and visit her wherever she was on the East Coast. Though, he knew the first year in business at the bar was the most crucial, so in reality, that possibility was unlikely. But there was still calls, texts, FaceTime…

Not ideal, but it would be okay. He was determined to make it work.

But was Whitney? Was she contemplating the new position with the same thought in mind or would she end things to pursue the life she wanted without the complications and ties to Blue Moon Bay? To him?

His cell phone rang as he locked the bar that evening, and he frowned seeing his mom’s number on the display. His stomach dropped. It was after midnight. She was never up this late.

“Mom? Everything okay?” he asked, answering the call as he headed toward his Jeep in the dark, empty parking lot.

“Your grandma had a heart attack,” she said—and Trent’s own heart shattered.

…

The day of the funeral was one of the saddest days of Whitney’s life. Instead of sitting in a training room in L.A., beginning a new career, she stood next to Trent in the cemetery, while the spring rain poured heavy from a dark, thick sky. She held his hand firmly in hers as his grandmother was laid to rest, knowing this was where she needed to be, where she wanted to be.

By his side through thick and thin, better or worse. Always. There would be other business opportunities but only one Trent.

…

Now…

She didn’t make it back on time. The appointment with her mother’s doctor had been a lengthy one, the news not encouraging. Therefore, it only made her mood worse when she climbed into her vehicle and received the text from Scott:

We did it! Blue Moon Bay will be a checkpoint stop on the next season of Race Across America!

She should be happy and excited that they’d won over the client with her pitch and presentation, but all she felt was ill on the way back from Rejuvenation that evening.

Go have a celebratory drink! You’ve certainly earned one.

Whitney needed a drink all right, but she was hardly in the mood to celebrate.

Scott would get the credit for her hard work. Mayor Rodale would only remember that it had been him who’d delivered the pitch to the executives and won over the client. No one would remember that she’d been the one to put the entire thing together.

She massaged her temple with her left hand as she drove toward Trent’s Tavern. Her migraines were getting worse, and stress made them that much more unbearable.

The news at Rejuvenation hadn’t been good. Her mother’s bloodwork from the week before indicated that the medications she was taking were having ill effects on her kidney and liver function. Dr. Tyler had recommended lowering the dose or switching to a new brand.

Both options had downsides, and it had taken hours of reviewing the possible alternatives to come to a decision to switch medication and see what happened after that. Her mother hadn’t been lucid enough to weigh in on the decision, and Whitney hated making decisions without her input.

But it was only going to get worse, not better.

Pulling into a parking spot behind the bar, next to Trent’s Jeep, she climbed out and went inside. It was only four in the afternoon, and she was grateful that the place was quiet and nearly empty and it was only Trent working.

“Hey, you,” Trent said as she approached the bar. “So?” he asked expectantly. He’d known about that day’s pitch, but she hadn’t had time to tell him about the Rejuvenation doctor’s appointment.

She nodded. “We got the contract. Race Across America will be coming to Blue Moon Bay.”

“Congratulations!” His eyes widened with supportive excitement for her, even though she knew the reality show wasn’t his thing. “That’s amazing. Why don’t you seem more excited?” He reached for a bottle of vodka and poured a double shot over ice, sliding it toward her. Then he leaned across the bar to kiss her.

Neither the drink nor the kiss made her feel better.

“I missed delivering the pitch. Scott did it,” she said, draining the contents of the glass.

“What? Why?”

She explained the visit at Rejuvenation, feeling worse the more she talked about it.

“Shit, Whitney. You should have called. I could have met you out there.” He reached over and took her hands in his. “You don’t have to make these decisions alone. I’m here.”

“You have the bar to run. You can’t just close up shop anytime.”

“I can and I will,” he said, studying her. “You get that, right? That I’d do anything for you. Anytime.”

She did, but right now she didn’t want support or reassurance, she just wanted to wallow. “I should probably head home before I drink an entire bottle of that stuff,” she said, nodding toward her empty glass. She should be heading back into the office, congratulating Scott on delivering a great pitch, celebrate the success with her coworker, then launch into the never-ending to-do list she still had on her plate, but she lacked all motivation and energy and she didn’t want to kill Scott’s high regarding the win.

“Go home…take a bath, get some rest,” Trent said gently, touching her hand on the bar. “And try to see the contract as a good thing. Mayor Rodale knows it was you who made this happen.”

She nodded. She wasn’t so sure about that. “I’ll see you at home.”

“I’m proud of you,” he said, walking her to the door.

She wished the words made her feel better.

…

Enough was enough.

Trent couldn’t stand to see Whitney this way. For weeks, things had been tense. He’d thought they were turning a corner around Halloween when she’d eased up a little and had seemed more like her old self, but then things had quickly returned to the fast pace business at the office as the pitch had drawn closer.

And today she’d hit an all-time low. Stress of the job, stress about her mom and the additional funding Rejuvenation was requiring for a private nurse to help with her mom, had reached its breaking point. He couldn’t remember ever seeing her so down. Busy, preoccupied, yes, but never so depressed.

She was struggling, and Trent couldn’t just sit by and watch the woman he loved deal with all of this on her own. That wasn’t a partnership. All this time he’d been pushing and insisting on Whitney accepting help from him, and he’d allowed her to refuse. Allowed her to take on the heavy financial burden on her own because he hadn’t wanted her to feel bad or as if she was indebted to him in any way.

Not anymore.

As her fiancé and someone she planned to spend her life with, he was allowed to make an executive decision in helping her. And he’d do it in a way where she couldn’t prevent his help.

Picking up his cell phone, he dialed Meredith’s number at the Blau real estate office, hoping it wasn’t too late. He paced behind the bar as the call connected.

“Hey, my favorite client!” she answered on the second ring.

She probably wouldn’t feel that way in a minute.

“Hey, Meredith. Unfortunately, I have some bad news.” He paused, but there was no hesitation in this decision. He knew what he had to do. “I’m not going to be able to go through with the purchase on the new location.”

She was silent for a moment, then, “Why the change of heart, darlin’? Was it the price? Because I’m sure with some haggling, I can get the sellers to come down another few thousand.”

“No, that’s not it. Well, I guess technically it is the money. Something else came up that I need to redirect those funds toward.”

“Ah, okay…”

“Sorry about this. I know this isn’t what you wanted to hear.” He truly was apologetic. He wasn’t someone to back out of a commitment or a contract, but sometimes unexpected things happened, and Trent knew he had to back out of this opportunity. It just wasn’t the right timing. His motivation to expand had always been about having the ability to help Whitney more and provide the security he thought she needed in order to slow down her own pace, but he got it now. Whitney never would. This was who she was, and he loved her drive and ambition.

He just wanted to take away some external pressure.

“It happens,” Meredith said with a sigh. “No worries.”

He was grateful for her understanding. “Am I still your favorite client?”

“No,” she said with a laugh. “Take care, Trent, and if you’re in the market again, reach out anytime.”

“Thanks, Meredith. I appreciate it.” He disconnected the call and headed into the back stock room, where Angel and Max were busy doing inventory.

At least that’s what they were supposed to be doing.

Trent cleared his throat loudly, and his two employees in the middle of a make-out session broke apart abruptly. Angel’s expression held a flushed, guilty look, but Max was grinning from ear to ear.

“Oh, hey, Trent. We were just…”

He held up a hand. “I’m going to pretend I didn’t see it.” He was honestly thrilled for them, and he had no policies about staff not dating at the bar. But right now, his employees fooling around was the least of his concerns. “Can you two keep an eye on the bar for a while? I have to run out.”

Angel nodded over her clipboard. “Sure. No problem. If it’s not busy, I can teach Max some things,” she said.

“Oh, you can, can you?” Max teased.

Angel shot him a look that said cool it, but then a small grin crept onto her face.

“Thanks,” Trent said.

“Everything okay?” Angel asked. “I couldn’t help but overhear Whitney out there just now.”

Trent nodded. “She had a rough day.” That’s all he’d say. He’d realized that maybe he did share too much personal information with his bar manager, and maybe he shouldn’t be as forthcoming about private matters at home. “She’ll be okay.”

“Good,” Angel said, gesturing for Max to quit staring at her ass and get back to work.

Grabbing his jacket, Trent left the bar. A moment later, he jumped into his Jeep and cranked the music, feeling so much lighter at having made this decision as he headed toward Rejuvenation.

…

Then…

Trent walked up the front steps toward Whitney’s family home, then turned and headed back toward his Jeep as sweat pooled on his lower back. He’d been in the house a dozen times; he’d met Whitney’s mother—had dinner with her, played cards with her—but this visit was different. He paced in the driveway, the temptation to jump into his Jeep and drive away strong.

Nope. He couldn’t chicken out. This was important, and he didn’t want to put it off any longer.

But did he really need to do this? It was the twenty-first century. He didn’t need permission to ask the woman he loved to marry him, but he did want it.

But was it too soon? Would Lydia approve?

He swallowed hard as a million thoughts and emotions spiraled like a whirlwind through him, and he took several deep breaths of contemplation. They’d only been dating a short while—but he knew how he felt. He was certain of how Whitney felt, too. They’d talked about the future. They’d talked about their goals and dreams. They were on the same page, and Trent couldn’t imagine his life without Whitney in it.

And her mother was a huge part of her life—their lives. It was the respectful thing to do.

Squaring his shoulders, he took the steps two at a time and knocked on the front door before he could change his mind.

He ran a shaky hand through his hair as he waited.

Lydia answered the door a moment later, dressed in her usual baking apron and fuzzy slippers they’d given her for her birthday. Her hair in rollers meant she planned on going to bingo at the community center that evening. “Trent! What a nice surprise.” She gave him a quick hug and looked past him. “Whitney’s not with you?”

He cleared his throat as he shook his head. “I…uh…actually wanted to ask you something.”

Realization dawned on the older woman’s face, and Trent held his breath as he waited for any sign of encouragement. Would she be okay with this? Would she approve?

It felt as though there was so much on the line in that moment. His future happiness…

A slow smile formed on her expression, and his shoulders relaxed.

“Took you long enough,” she said with a wink.

Lydia was right. It had taken Trent long enough to get the courage to propose, but now that he had her blessing, he didn’t want to wait a second longer. And he knew exactly where and how he wanted to pop the question. It was going to take a little prep work and a little help from the local pumpkin patch.

…

Her annual pumpkin patch visit was the highlight of the season for Whitney. She wasn’t a fan of Halloween with all its spookiness, but the cool evenings, the smell of pumpkin spice, and enjoying the harvest festivities at the local farm was her favorite fall activity.

Arriving at the farm that evening with Jess, she climbed out of her vehicle, feeling the usual excitement wrap around her.

Too bad Trent had to work late that evening. His last-minute text to let her know he wouldn’t be able to tag along had disappointed her, but she’d still enjoy the evening with her best friend. Linking an arm through Jess’s, they entered through the farm gates. The evening sun was low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the fields as families and friends participated in games of corn hole, made their own scarecrows from old farm clothes, empty vegetable sacks and hay, and launched pumpkins from a cannon. Watching the community come together to celebrate the season always made her feel proud to call Blue Moon Bay home. While she’d once dreamed of big city life, there was something about her small coastal town that would always truly feel like home, where she belonged.

“Hayride first?” she suggested as they approached the concession stand for the mandatory hot chocolate.

“Um…I was thinking we could start with the corn maze?” Jess said casually, but Whitney caught a hint of something she couldn’t quite distinguish in her tone—mysterious excitement that had nothing to do with pumpkins and corn stalks. Something was up with her friend that evening.

“Okay, sure.” She was up for anything and everything in any order.

They paid for their hot chocolate and Jess led the way toward the maze. Each year the farm created a new design, challenging locals with dead-ends and circular paths that could only be successfully navigated with the help of clues provided in the form of trivia questions. A correct answer would give the right direction through the maze to the next trivia stop.

“Hey, Whitney and Jess,” Mr. Bennett, one of the farm owners said in greeting with a wide smile.

“Hey, Mr. Bennett, hope you have a challenge for us this year,” Whitney teased.

The older man grinned and shot a wink at Jess. “Oh, I think you’ll enjoy this one.”

Whitney turned to Jess with a suspicious look. “What’s going on?” She glanced around and noticed no one else approaching the maze. She peered inside, but didn’t see anyone or hear the usual laughter as people got lost or debated the right direction.

“This year you’re on your own,” she said. She reached into her purse and retrieved an orange piece of construction paper and handed it to Whitney. “Your first clue.”

Whitney’s heart raced as she took it and read.

What was I wearing the first time we met?

A) A Clown Suit (Turn Right)

B) My Birthday Suit (Turn Left)

Whitney’s eyes widened as she laughed at the question. “Clues from Trent? Why? What’s happening?” she asked Jess, a whole new level of excitement enveloping her.

Jess shrugged, the mischievous gleam still in her eyes. “Guess you’ll have to complete the maze and find out.”

“Enjoy,” Mr. Bennett said.

Entering the maze, Whitney headed left. She hurried past the tall corn stalks, weaving along the path’s twists and turns until she reached the next trivia question stop. The usual pumpkin patch trivia card was replaced with another piece of orange construction paper with another one of Trent’s handwritten questions on it. She picked it up and read.

What song helped me confess my feelings for you?

A) In Case You Didn’t Know (Turn Left)

B) Love Stinks (Turn Right)

Whitney laughed as she headed left again through the maze. She brushed corn stalks out of her way as she moved quickly, eager to reach the next trivia stop.

Trent had created her own maze challenge that year. She couldn’t believe he’d done something so incredibly special for her. Making these direction clue trivia cards and convincing Mr. Bennett to give her exclusive access to the maze must have taken so much time and thought. Her heart swelled as she reached the next trivia stop.

She picked up the next card and read.

Where did we have our first kiss?

A) The parking lot of a local Denny’s (Turn Left)

B) Dancing alone in the bar (Turn Right)

Whitney headed right and continued to follow the correct path through the maze, guided by the answers to Trent’s trivia questions about their relationship. With each one she was reminded of all the special moments they’d shared since the day they met, and her pulse raced as she drew near the last stop.

Cards in hand, she drew a deep breath as she rounded the last corner of the maze and found Trent standing there at the trivia stop. Dressed in jeans and collared shirt, he looked amazing and more than a little nervous as he smiled at her. Her mouth went dry and her heart pounded loudly in her chest. He was there. She’d suspected he would be, but it still felt slightly surreal as she approached him.

“Hi,” she said.

“You figured out my maze,” he said, his voice full of emotion as he moved toward her.

“It was the best one yet,” she said softly, gazing up at him.

He reached for her hands and drew her closer. “Sorry I said I couldn’t make it here tonight. I wanted to surprise you.”

“You’re forgiven. This was definitely a nice surprise.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him gently. Her body was shaking slightly as a feeling of anticipation overwhelmed her. He’d gone through a lot of trouble to do this for her… Was there more to come?

He stared into her eyes and took a deep breath. “Whitney, the last year with you has been the best year of my life.”

She nodded. For her too.

“My life has changed so much since moving back home and starting the business, but the biggest change is the one I feel inside. I love you and being with you has made everything else that much better. You’re everything to me,” he said, releasing her slowly and dropping to one knee.

Whitney’s hand covered her mouth and tears welled in her eyes.

Trent took her hand in his and retrieved a small ring box from his pocket. He opened it and held it out to her, revealing a beautiful solitaire engagement ring.

Whitney’s mouth gaped as the diamond sparkled in the evening setting sun.

“Marry me?” Trent asked.

Whitney nodded quickly, and the word “yes” escaped her lips on a strangled whisper.

Trent smiled and kissed her hand before sliding the ring onto her finger. He stood and took her into his arms, and Whitney’s heart felt like it might explode with happiness. “I love you,” she said, hugging him tight.

Trent pulled back and kissed her softly. “I love you more.”

There was no way that was possible, but Whitney wasn’t about to argue with her new fiancé.