Take Life by the Balls List
Dance like you’re in love

Three months later . . .

Milly stood at the furthest edge of the gravel walk, staring in awe at the breathtaking country cottage garden. Lined with hornbeam hedge and wildflower-filled hedges, Jane Austen’s house was even more enchanting that Milly imagined.

Two strong arms came around her waist as Jax pressed in behind her, kissing her neck. Milly leaned back into him, staring up at the brick house and her heart squeezed.

They had arrived in Hampshire, England, earlier that morning. After checking into their quaint Airbnb, the first thing on the itinerary was visiting the house where Jane Austen spent the last part of her life creating the stories that helped shape Milly’s idea of what romance could be.

“Are you picturing Mr. Darcy on a horse, with his top hat and flowers in hand?” Jax asked.

Milly looked over her shoulder and smiled up at the man she loved. “I don’t need a Mr. Darcy.”

“And why’s that?”

She placed a kiss on his cheek. “Because I already found my mister and he doesn’t share.”

“Damn straight,” he said.
She felt his arms fall to the sides and she turned around. Her hand leapt to her chest, covering her heart because she was sure it was about to beat out of her chest. Jax was down on one knee with a red box in hand.

“What are you doing?” she whispered.

“Making this real,” he said. “Marry me, Milly. Make me the happiest man alive and be my wife.”

“Yes,” she said immediately.

He laughed. “I guess you didn’t have to think about that.”

“When it comes to you, I don’t have to think. I just feel and everything feels right. Warm and safe and like I’m living a dream.”

“Then help me make my dream come true and be my wife.” Milly held out a trembling hand and Jax slid the ring on her finger. It was a square-cut diamond surrounded by a cluster of smaller emeralds—the color of Jax’s eyes. It was elegant, vintage, and like it came right out of a Jane Austen novel.

“It’s perfect.”

Jax stood and took her hands in his. “You’re perfect.”

Before she knew what was happening, he twirled her out, pulling her back into his body. Nestling her in his arms, he started to gently sway.

“What are you doing?”

“Dancing with my missus.”