Page 132 of The Making of Marnie Jones

He shrugged, trying to suppress a grin. “Okay, more me telling him I was going to propose and him threatening me with bodily harm if I hurt you.” A reminder, if he needed one, that she had an entire group of people surrounding her who’d look out for her interests. She might believe she’d cultivated a distance from those around her, but those friends and family were her greatest allies—there to support her every step of the way. Maybe someday she’d see how many people truly admired and even loved her.

“That sounds more like my father. Look, this is crazy. We barely know each other.”

“And yet I'm completely sure of my emotions. I love you, Marnie. Let me spend the rest of my life showing you how much. Unless, of course, you don't love me—”

“I do, Jake. I do love you.”

Phew.He'd suspected, but he hadn’t been sure if she’d acknowledge it. Her admission was the impetus he needed. “You love me, and I love you. Let's make it simple and spend the rest of our lives together.”

She held the box, rotating it over and over in her hands, then, finally, awkwardly, she flipped it open.

He saw her relenting and tried to gauge how much pressure he could apply without overplaying his hand. He took the box in hand, removed the ring, and slipped it onto her finger.

Oh, thank God, it fits.“Say yes.”

“What if I can't do it? What if today was an outlier?”

“Don't question my integrity, Marnie—that I won't tolerate. We’ll continue to talk things through. Know that this—” He pointed to the ring. “—doesn't change the rules. You set the pace. You can always say no.”

The gathering tears in her eyes splayed across his soul. Had he pushed too far? Marnie Jones never cried. At least she hadn't until two days ago.

“Okay.”

“Okay?”

“Okay.”

She launched herself into his arms.

Relief unlike anything he’d ever been through in his life. Except, perhaps, the day they recovered Olivia. That moment intertwined with this one. Moments of great joy.

They were kissing soundly when a small wriggling body came between the two of them.

Olivia stood in the doorway, clearly expectant. “Did she say yes?” She didn't wait for an answer when she noticed the simple diamond solitaire winking from Marnie's left hand. She pulled Marnie into a hug. “I'm so happy for you.” She reached out for Jake and pulled him into the embrace. “This is perfect,” she whispered.

“It is.” He held the two women tightly. “It really is.”

Chapter forty

Epilogue

“Whyareyounotnervous?”

Marnie glanced at Olivia, who’d been fidgeting for the past hour.

The younger woman’s hair had grown out and was now shoulder-length so it swayed slightly when she walked. She’d opted to continue dyeing it light brown, and it fell in soft layers. She was elegant in the navy-blue bridesmaid’s dress.

Marnie left her own hair down, as Jake definitely preferred that style. Her dress was a simple A-line sleeveless floor-length in ivory. Her father’d given her a pearl-necklace-and-earring set which belonged to her mother.

He’d offered her the mansion in Toronto, which she graciously declined, so he sold it and moved into a penthouse condominium with Matilda. Although they’d been circumspect about their situation, clearly they were affected by each other.

Marnie wasn't sure if it was love, but they both appeared happy, and that was what mattered.

Shewas in love.

Every day for the past year, Jake had spent by her side.

Today she was a flower in the sun, having survived being a bulb in the cold dark ground.

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