That did quite a bit to ease the strain that I actually had created in asking for the Pickle Fest invoices, and I even made a couple of associates out of the method. Gabriella from the native cafe has develop into certainly one of my closest associates since then, and even Fred and I’ve hit it off now that we’re not working collectively anymore.

And after I finished chasing slander items towards Mason, Eddie took me off probation too. He was absolutely supportive of my new protection of the competition, giving me pointers and contacts to make the piece the perfect it might be. And in contrast to Derek again on the Tribune, Eddie is an editor I do know I can belief and respect.

His recommendation was invaluable, and I’m blissful to say the article was a complete success. Not solely did it make for arresting front-page protection, I didn’t even should smash Mason’s life for the sake of the story. Seems any information about Pickle Fest sells itself.

And never solely to the city’s residents. Someway a paper in St. Louis learn my Pickle Fest article and provided me a employees place doing occasions protection. This was every little thing I believed I wished from my profession, however towards all odds, I really turned it down. I’ve actually come to like my place right here in Curiosity. Smiling up at Mason as we make our option to the mountain’s summit, I do know I made the precise determination by staying.

“That is what I wished to point out you,” Mason tells me as he guides me to the lookout.

After I be a part of him up there, the view actually takes my breath away. I can see all of Curiosity laid out earlier than me. The Pickle Fest grounds have been transformed again to a muddy wallowing pit for the native porcine inhabitants. The Curiosity Commons shines out as a patch of inexperienced among the many cobblestone streets and tiled rooftops. I spy the row of specialty shops that line Predominant Avenue, and the city corridor like a jewel within the city’s heart. I may even see the roof of my very own condo constructing close by.

I think about all of the folks down there, going about their day, and I attempt to guess what every of them could be doing proper about now. Eddie’s most likely spending his time off hand carving a flute, a passion I solely not too long ago discovered about. Chris is little question nonetheless sleeping and possibly shall be for an additional couple of hours till he has to stand up to open the bar. And Fred, I’m positive, is tending to his mushrooms or loitering in Chet’s retailer, or napping someplace.

It’s good to see down at Curiosity from right here and really feel like I actually comprehend it past only a title on a map, or perhaps a journalistic topic. As an alternative, the view is a reminder of every little thing I’ve grown hooked up to right here, a visible depiction of my story on this quirky little city. Greater than that, it’s a map of the place that’s develop into my residence, in some methods much more than Chicago ever was.

As I look over Curiosity, I’m overcome with a heat radiating from my chest. I can solely describe it as an innate sense of belonging.

Mason and I spend a very long time simply gazing down on the city, and I can solely think about he’s feeling one thing just like what I’m. I understand how a lot he loves this city, and the way devoted he’s to serving it. Now, like so many different occasions over the previous few months, I can’t consider I ever doubted his integrity.

“Thanks,” I lastly say, turning to him. “I’m actually glad you introduced me right here.”

Mason smiles at me, and I lean in to kiss him gently. It nonetheless feels surreal generally and I savor the kiss, absolutely conscious of how shut I got here to by no means attending to expertise this love.

“There’s one thing else I wished to point out you, too,” he says as soon as I draw back.

I count on him to steer me additional up the mountain path, perhaps to a different lookout, so when he will get down on one knee, I can hardly consider what’s occurring.

“Charlotte,” he says, a heat and loving smile on his face. “I may hardly have believed after we first met that I’d fall so head over heels in love with you. We’ve gone by a lot collectively already, however by all of it, I’ve by no means doubted the nice in you.”

My coronary heart swells at his phrases, and I can really feel my cheeks rising heat, not simply from the new solar however from the love and pleasure that’s rising inside me with every passing second.

“You’re clever, loving, trustworthy, and compassionate,” Mason continues. “And I do know that you just’re the lady I need to spend the remainder of my life with. It doesn’t matter what life throws our means, I do know we’ll stand by one another. We’ve confirmed that earlier than, and I’ve little question that may stay true for the remainder of our lives. Charlotte Lieberman, will you marry me?”

Seemingly out of nowhere, Mason produces a hoop field, and when he opens it, the noon solar glints off a diamond ring inside.

There’s not a second of hesitation in me as I reply.

“Oh my God, sure!” I cry, and I see Mason’s face unfold into a large smile.

He stands up, and I virtually throw myself into his arms, urgent my lips into his and feeling that surreal pleasure another time. Solely this time, it’s even stronger.

As we kiss, I can really feel and listen to his snakes writhing with what I’ve come to study is pleasure, and after we lastly draw back from one another, I can see the identical emotion written throughout Mason’s face.

“I really like you a lot,” he tells me.

For a second, I can solely look into his eyes as if I’m seeing everything of our future collectively mirrored in them.

“I really like you, too,” I lastly say, my voice mushy however stuffed with emotion.

At this, he lets go of my waist and reaches into the ring field nonetheless clutched in a single hand. With a loving smile, he slides the ring onto my finger. It’s each an ideal match and the right type, proving how nicely Mason is aware of me.

“It’s lovely,” I say. We embrace once more, foreheads pressed collectively and each of us grinning broadly whereas Curiosity shines brilliant within the background.

I couldn’t ask for something extra excellent.

32

MASON

Supply: www.seynovel.com