Page 136 of Love in the Wild

Gage’s smile fell. He remembered that life without Hadley. It was dark and hopeless. “Trust me. I’d know something was missing.”

A lot would be missing without her. He wouldn’t know God, he wouldn’t have friends, he wouldn’t be free of his family and the hate.

Most importantly, he wouldn’t know love–not really. He’d only scratched the surface of love before Hadley. Now, it was like he’d stepped into the light after a lifetime in the darkness.

He swallowed, trying not to let the overwhelming gratitude take over.

“Hadley,” he whispered.

She tilted her head, and there was a little crinkle between her brows. “Are you okay?”

Great. He must look as worked up as he felt on the inside. He cleared his throat. “Hadley, will you marry me?”

Her eyes widened, and she gasped. “Gage–”

“I know it’s too soon, but I know what I feel for you. I can’t tell the future, but I know you’re mine. Wherever you go, I want to be beside you. I’ll be your biggest cheerleader, I’ll lift you up when you’re feeling down, and I would count it an honor to spend my life with you.”

He would do all that and more, but telling her the extent of his devotion might scare her off more than a proposal.

Reaching into his pocket, he pulled the ring out. The round diamond was encircled by smaller stones that the woman at the store had called a halo. He’d chosen it for Hadley the moment he saw it. The circle was bright and radiated like the sun.

The sun for his sunshine.

Gage held out his hand, and Hadley slowly lowered the hand covering her mouth. Poising the ring at the tip of her finger, he looked up at her.

“I was never supposed to be anyone. Now I’m the man I’m supposed to be. I have a purpose because of you. I want the world to know I belong to you. Will you marry me?”

Hadley sucked in a deep breath. “Yes! Yes! Gage, of course! I wanted to say yes at the beginning, but I’m glad I let you say all of that.” She sat up and wiped a tear off her cheek. “I want to belong to you for the rest of my life. You’ve changed me for the better too, and I will choose you over and over for the rest of my life.”

The pressure in Gage’s chest pushed against the walls. Never in his life had he felt happiness so strong that it begged to be released.

Hadley stood to her feet, pulling him up by his hand. The second she could reach him, her arms were around his neck, squeezing what was left of the air from his throat.

“Yes, yes, yes. I love you. I’ll love you forever,” she whispered amidst soft sobs.

Gage rubbed soft circles on her back as his heartbeat started to calm. “I love you too. Always.”

He held onto her, strong and steady as her tears quieted. “You okay?”

“Yeah. Just so stinkin’ happy,” she mumbled against his shoulder.

“Um, is it time for the next surprise?” Gage asked.

She jerked back. “There’s more?”

“All of our friends and family are waiting to celebrate at the dining hall.”

Well, not all of their family. What was left of his family was here, and he wouldn’t miss the rest. They’d almost ripped Hadley and all happiness away from him, and his life was better without them.

What he lacked in family he made up for in friends these days. Dawson said half the town was planning to come tonight.

Hadley bounced on her toes and smiled from ear to ear. “Are you serious? Let’s go!”

She started to rush toward the door, but he drew her back in. “Hold up. I’m not finished with you.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead, then her nose, and finally her lips. He lingered and took his time, kissing her like they had the rest of their lives.

And they did. He had the rest of his life to spend with Hadley, and he looked forward to loving her more every day.

BONUS EPILOGUE

---