Page 92 of Second Chance Serenity

“Even with the years apart, I feel like I’ve been with you forever.”

I tilt my face up to his, and he leans down, capturing my lips. The kiss is tender. Loving. A gentle caress.

But it ignites a fire in my soul.

Michael pulls away. “I asked you to marry me the night of our senior prom.”

“And I said yes.”

“And then I left you.” His expression darkens. “I don’t know that I will ever forgive myself for leaving you.”

“But you came back.” I reach up and cup his face.

“I don’t deserve you.”

“You do, though. Michael Anderson, you deserve so many blessings.”

“You’re the greatest of them.” He rests his forehead against mine. “Which is why—” He trails off and pulls away, then drops down on one knee and withdraws a velvet box. “I want to marry you, Reyna Acker. I want to spend every single moment of my life with you, so that we’re never apart again. I will love you. Cherish you. Show you just how important you are to me each and every single day of our lives.”

My eyes fill, emotion warming my chest as I stare down at the man I love on one knee. “I already answered you,” I tell him.

“But I needed to ask again. I blew it the last time, Reyna. I won’t this time. I’ll marry you here and now if you’ll let me. Or we can plan something. I don’t care as long as you’ll spend the rest of your life with me. Please say you will.”

“Yes. Yes, I will marry you.” Tears stream down my cheeks as he reaches down and lifts me, spinning me in a light circle before setting me back down and sliding the ring onto my finger. The diamonds dance beneath the disco ball above, and all at once, my family and friends come rushing out onto the dance floor, all of them dressed to impress in beautiful gowns and tuxedos.

My parents are dressed up. My mother in a glittery gold gown while my father’s tie is a near match to the color. They’re both smiling widely, looking happier than I can remember seeing them in recent years.

Michael’s parents are wearing date night attire.

Even Eliza, as pregnant as she is, stuns in a violet gown, Lance at her side.

They rush forward, offering us congratulations and taking a closer look at my ring.

Someone clears his throat behind me, so I turn and see an older man standing behind me, clean-shaven and wearing a grey suit. I start to introduce myself, and then I see his eyes. Recognition slams into me. “Caleb!”

He laughs and accepts my hug.

“You’re here!”

“I am. And I’m glad you recognized me.” He runs his hands down the front of his suit.

“I’m so glad you’re here! How are you here?”

“You said to visit,” he replies. “And after you left, I realized that I missed people.”

Hope floods me. “Are you here permanently?”

He nods. “If it’s okay.”

“Of course it is.” Michael wraps an arm around my shoulders. “We wouldn’t be standing here if it weren’t for you, Caleb. We owe you our lives.”

“Nah. You owe me nothing.” His cheeks turn pink. “But I am happy to be here. I thought I’d miss my solitude.”

I smile so hard my cheeks hurt, and I wrap my arms around him again. “Thank you for saving us. And thank you for coming.”

“Caleb, I would like a dance.” Mrs. McGinley reaches out and offers her hand.

Caleb’s face flushes again, but he takes her outstretched hand. They’re nearly the same age, and watching him draw her out onto the dance floor makes my heart soar. It’s adorable.

---