Page 117 of Embracing Trust

The box holds a ring with a magnificent solitaire diamond. The ornate band the gem is mounted to is gold with engraved flowers.

Julia’s hands shake as she holds the ring box. “I’ve never seen anything like this.” She looks at me and then at the ring.

“Before you put it on your finger, there’s a little story that goes with it,” I tell her.

She looks at me, tears in her eyes.

“Once upon a time,” I begin. “There was a fair lass named Finola—"

Julia lets out a gasp and a small cry.

I continue. “Who lived in the fine Irish city of Omagh. She was so very much in love with a lad named Shamus McCormick. Her lad went to Finola’s da to ask for his lovely daughter’s hand in marriage. Shamus then went to his lovely lass, got down on one knee, and asked her to be his bride, and he—”

“Oh my gosh,” Julia exclaims through her tears. “It’s a true story.”

“True indeed, lass,” I reply in my best Irish accent. “Shamus got down on one knee and asked her to be his bride and he gave her this ring. Finola was delighted and declared her love to Shamus. They were married in a small chapel in Omagh. They came to the United States, started their family, and worked hard to make ends meet—Shamus in a factory and Finola as a seamstress. Although they had many hard times and struggles, they always focused on their marriage. They supported one another, communicated, and never went to bed angry. They had sixty-three beautiful years together and to this day, Finola will tell you that if she had to do those decades all over again, she wouldn’t change a thing. Not even the difficult times. Although she can never get those years back, Shamus still lives in her heart to this very day.”

Julia weeps and can barely get the words out. “I love the story and the ring. Can I put it on now?”

“How about If I put it on your finger?”

Julia hands me the box, her fingers shake.

I swallow the lump in my throat as I take the beautiful gem from the box.

This. This is it. The love of my life has agreed she will spend the rest of her life with me. Shehas accepted all of me—all of my imperfections, my mistakes, and my baggage. She’s made me the man I am. Without her…I can’t even let myself think about that.

I take Julia’s hand in mine and slip the ring on her finger. We both stare at the diamond as it catches the rays from the afternoon sun and glimmers in our sight.

“It’s so pretty and delicate,” Julia whispers.

“You know, Grandma gave me this ring shortly after the day I brought you to her house for a visit. She told me to save it for a special occasion. I think she had us figured out way before either one of us did.”

Julia wraps her arms around my shoulders, and I hold her close. Not to be left out, Dixie stands from the sand, gives herself a shake, and lays between us on the blanket.

My mouth covers Julia’s in a searing kiss. We break the kiss. As our foreheads touch, I look into her eyes—the eyes that have captivated my heart since the beginning.

“So, you’ll marry me,” I ask with a grin.

Julia smirks. “I will.”

“I have to warn you though, I’m no saint.”

With our foreheads still touching, Julia replies, “I’ve heard that.” She touches her hand lightly to my cheek. “I have to warn you, I have some trust issues.”

“I’ve heard that.”

I wrap my arms around Julia’s waist and take her mouth. I kiss her like my life depends on it. And actually, my life does. I move my hand behind her neck and pull her in for a deeper kiss.

The kiss continues—like a familiar song—the one you never get tired of hearing. The moment is now—not a year ago, not even two hours ago. Just now. With this woman. At this moment. My heart soars, my load lighter.

---