This was written with the help of Claude AI. All rights go to their respective owners and all that I own is the plot, what I entered into the chat and the undying opinion that The Town That Came A Courtin' is criminally underrated and Lauren Holly is magnificent in her role as Abby Houston. Cameron Bancroft was also brilliant in his portrayal as Spencer Alexander. This story is AU.


The late afternoon sun hung low over Lake Serenity, its golden rays dancing across the rippling water like a thousand flickering candles. Mayor Spencer Alexander stood at the edge of the old wooden dock, his heart pounding a staccato rhythm against his ribs. He inhaled deeply, drawing in the familiar scent of pine and freshwater that had become synonymous with home – and with Abby.

Spencer's fingers nervously fiddled with the small velvet box in his pocket, a gesture that had become almost compulsive over the past week. Inside nestled a ring that represented not just his love for Abby, but the culmination of a journey that had transformed both their lives.

As he waited, Spencer's mind drifted back to the day Abby Houston first arrived in Bliss, Mississippi. He remembered the town council meeting where she had stood up, her voice clear and passionate, advocating for the restoration of the old library. Spencer had been captivated – not just by her beauty, with her flowing chestnut hair and eyes that sparkled with intelligence, but by her spirit. Abby had a way of seeing the magic in their small town, a perspective that had reignited Spencer's own love for Bliss.

Their first date, right here on this very dock, had been a comedy of errors. Spencer, eager to impress the accomplished author, had attempted to showcase his fishing skills. Instead, he had ended up nearly toppling into the lake, saved only by Abby's quick reflexes and surprising strength. Her laughter, warm and genuine, had echoed across the water, and in that moment, Spencer knew he was falling in love.

Over the past two years, Abby had become an integral part of Bliss. Her bestselling novel, inspired by the town's quirky charm, had put them on the map. But more than that, she had woven herself into the fabric of the community. From organizing book drives for underprivileged kids to starting a writers' workshop at the newly restored library, Abby's impact was felt everywhere.

And through it all, she had stood by Spencer, supporting him through the challenges of leading a small town. Late nights poring over budget reports, heated town hall debates, and the occasional crisis – Abby had been his rock, his voice of reason, and his greatest cheerleader.

The soft creak of weathered wood pulled Spencer from his reverie. He turned, his breath catching in his throat as he saw Abby approaching. She wore a flowing sundress in a soft shade of blue that reminded Spencer of forget-me-nots. Her hair was loose, catching the golden light of the setting sun, and her eyes – those eyes that never failed to make his heart skip a beat – were wide with curiosity and a hint of anticipation.

"Spencer?" Abby called out, her voice carrying a mix of amusement and wonder. "What's all this about?"

Spencer smiled, drinking in the sight of her. He extended his hand, which Abby took without hesitation, their fingers intertwining with the ease of long familiarity.

"I wanted to surprise you," Spencer said softly, guiding her to the end of the dock where he had set up a cozy picnic area. A plush blanket was spread out, adorned with cushions for comfort. A wicker basket sat to one side, promising hidden delights, while an ice bucket held a bottle of champagne – the same brand they had shared on their first anniversary.

Abby's eyes widened as she took in the scene. "Spencer, this is beautiful," she breathed, squeezing his hand. "But what's the occasion?"

Spencer felt his nerves resurface, but he pushed them aside, focusing on the love that swelled in his chest whenever he looked at Abby. "Do I need an occasion to spoil the woman I love?" he asked, bringing her hand to his lips for a gentle kiss.

They settled onto the blanket, the wood of the dock warm beneath them from the day's sun. Spencer poured two glasses of champagne, the bubbles fizzing merrily in the fading light.

"A toast," he said, raising his glass. "To us, to Bliss, and to all the adventures we've shared."

Abby clinked her glass against his, her eyes never leaving his face. "And to many more to come," she added softly.

As they sipped the champagne, Spencer felt a wave of emotion wash over him. How had he gotten so lucky? Abby wasn't just his girlfriend; she was his partner in every sense of the word. She challenged him, supported him, and loved him with a fierceness that still took his breath away.

"Abby," Spencer began, setting down his glass and taking both of her hands in his. "These past two years have been the most incredible of my life. You've brought so much joy, so much light into my world. You've made me a better man, a better mayor, a better person."

Abby's eyes glistened with unshed tears, her thumbs tracing gentle circles on the backs of his hands. "Oh, Spencer," she whispered.

He continued, his voice thick with emotion. "I love everything about you, Abby. I love the way your nose scrunches up when you're deep in thought, working on your latest novel. I love how you always make time to read to the kids at the library, doing all those silly voices that make them laugh. I love how you've embraced Bliss, seeing all its potential and helping to make it shine."

Spencer took a deep breath, his heart racing. "But most of all, I love the way you love me. You see me, Abby – not just the mayor, but the man behind the title. You support my dreams, you call me out when I'm being stubborn, and you make me want to be the best version of myself every single day."

Tears were flowing freely down Abby's cheeks now, but her smile was radiant. Spencer released one of her hands to reach into his pocket, pulling out the velvet box. Abby's breath hitched as he opened it, revealing a stunning vintage-style ring. The center diamond caught the last rays of the setting sun, surrounded by smaller sapphires that matched the blue of Abby's eyes.

"Abigail Houston," Spencer said, his voice steady despite the trembling of his hands. "You are my best friend, my soulmate, and the love of my life. Will you do me the extraordinary honor of becoming my wife? Will you marry me?"

For a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath. Then Abby launched herself at Spencer, nearly knocking him backwards as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Yes!" she cried, her voice muffled against his shoulder. "Yes, Spencer, a thousand times yes!"

Spencer held her tight, his own tears of joy mingling with hers. When they finally pulled apart, he took the ring from its box with shaking fingers and slid it onto Abby's hand. It fit perfectly, as if it had always been meant to rest there.

Abby admired the ring, her eyes shining with love and happiness. "It's beautiful, Spencer. It looks like... wait, is this...?"

Spencer nodded, a tender smile playing on his lips. "It was my grandmother's. She always said it should go to the woman who captured my heart completely. That's you, Abby. It's always been you."

Overcome with emotion, Abby cupped Spencer's face in her hands and pulled him close. Their lips met in a kiss that started soft and sweet but quickly deepened, filled with all the love, passion, and promise of their future together.

As the kiss intensified, Spencer wrapped his arms around Abby, drawing her flush against him. The warmth of her body, the softness of her lips, the little sighs of pleasure she made – everything combined to create a heady, intoxicating feeling.

They parted, breathless, foreheads resting against each other. The sun had dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant shades of pink and purple. The first stars were beginning to twinkle above, as if the heavens themselves were celebrating their engagement.

"I love you, Spencer Alexander," Abby whispered, her fingers tracing the line of his jaw. "I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you."

Spencer's heart soared at her words. "I love you too, Abby. More than I ever thought possible."

As twilight settled over Lake Serenity, Spencer and Abby remained entwined on the dock, trading kisses and whispered promises. The champagne lay forgotten, the picnic untouched – they were drunk on love and the endless possibilities that stretched out before them.

In that moment, with the woman he loved in his arms and the town he cherished spread out behind them, Spencer knew that this was just the beginning. Together, he and Abby would write the next chapter of their lives – a story of love, community, and the kind of happiness that only comes when you find your true home.

The gentle lapping of waves against the shore provided a soothing backdrop as the newly engaged couple lost themselves in each other, their kisses growing more heated, hands beginning to wander. As night fully descended on Bliss, Mississippi, Spencer and Abby's love burned brighter than any star in the sky – a beacon of hope, promise, and everlasting devotion.