Page 73 of Captiva Book Club

“It’s mutual,” Steven said, petting Stella again.

For a moment, they sat in silence, simply enjoying the peaceful scene before them. Chelsea watched Steven, wondering what was on his mind. He seemed deep in thought, and the knot of anxiety in her chest tightened. She tried to focus on the beauty of the sunset, but her thoughts kept circling back to the uncertainty that had plagued her for weeks.

Then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw Steven reach into his pocket. Her heart skipped a beat as she watched him pull out a small velvet box. Here it is, she thought, bracing herself for the worst. He’s going to say he needs space, or that he’s not ready for something serious.

But before Steven could say anything, Stella suddenly pounced, landing right in his lap and nearly causing him to spill his coffee.

“Whoa, Stella! What’s gotten into you tonight?” Steven exclaimed, clearly startled.

Chelsea burst out laughing, though she couldn’t help but wonder if Stella’s strange behavior was some kind of omen. “She really likes you, Steven. I think you’ve officially won her over.”

She watched as Steven tried to shift Stella off his lap, her nerves on edge. She forced a smile, trying to hide the tension building inside her. Maybe Stella’s as anxious as I am, she thought, feeling her heart race.

Finally, Steven cleared his throat, his expression serious as he turned to her.

“Chelsea, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you,” he began, his voice steady, but Chelsea could hear the emotion behind it.

She held her breath as he opened the velvet box, revealing a beautiful, vintage-style ring with a delicate band and a sparkling diamond at its center. Chelsea’s breath caught in her throat. Is this really happening? Her mind raced as she tried to process what she was seeing. This wasn’t a breakup—it was the exact opposite.

“Steven…” Her voice was barely a whisper, her heart now pounding for an entirely different reason.

“Chelsea, from the moment I met you, my life has been brighter, happier. I can’t imagine spending another day without you by my side. Will you marry me?”

For a moment, the world seemed to stand still. Chelsea’s eyes filled with tears, her heart swelling with love and relief. All her fears and doubts melted away as she looked at the man she loved.

“Yes, Absolutely, yes,” she whispered, her voice trembling with joy. “I will.”

Steven slipped the ring onto her finger, his hands steady despite what must have been adrenaline coursing through him. As soon as the ring was in place, Stella, as if satisfied with the outcome, settled down on Chelsea’s lap, purring contentedly.

Chelsea laughed through her tears, wrapping her arms around Steven as he pulled her close. “I think Stella approves,” she murmured against his shoulder. “I can tell because she’s insisting on a group hug,” she said, feeling the weight of all her worries lift away.

Steven kissed the top of her head. “I don’t mind if you don’t,” he said, holding on to both Chelsea and Stella.

As they sat there, wrapped in each other’s arms, the sun finally dipped below the horizon, casting the lanai in a warm, golden glow. The world outside was peaceful, but inside, Chelsea’s heart was full of love and happiness. She knew that this moment would be one she’d cherish forever.

The doubts and fears that had clouded her thoughts for weeks were now nothing more than a distant memory. In their place was a deep sense of contentment, knowing that the man she loved wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.

Steven gently pulled back, cupping her face in his hands as he looked into her eyes.

“I love you, Chelsea. More than I can put into words. I can’t wait to start this next chapter of our lives together.”

Tears welled up in Chelsea’s eyes again, but this time, they were tears of pure joy.

“I love you too, Steven. I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.”

Stella, who had been contentedly purring on Chelsea’s lap, stretched and settled more comfortably between them, as if sensing the peacefulness of the moment. Chelsea laughed softly, wiping her tears and running her fingers through Stella’s fur.

“Looks like Stella is just as happy as I am.”

Steven smiled, pressing a kiss to Chelsea’s forehead. “She’s a smart cat. She knows what’s good for us.”

As they sat there, basking in the afterglow of the proposal and the warmth of the setting sun, the world seemed to shrink to just the two of them—and, of course, Stella.

Chelsea closed her eyes and thought of Carl. She could feel his presence and loving approval cover her body. She was certain that because of it, her future with Steven was blessed beyond measure.

CHAPTER 26

The scent of pine and cinnamon filled the air, mingling with the rich aroma of coffee brewing in the kitchen. Maggie and Paolo stood side by side, their hands entwined, gazing at the large Christmas tree in the cozy sitting room of the Key Lime Garden Inn.

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