Page 111 of Searching for Valor

“Wait.” She hurried to catch up to him. “How did you know? I barely know! I haven’t even taken a test yet.”

“You’ve been sick every morning for the last week. Doesn’t take a medical degree to figure it out.” He smirked at her. “Besides, according to your Abuela, we’re behind schedule. We should already be on our second.”

“Second?” she squeaked, her hand going to her flat stomach like she could already feel the baby there. “Excuse me, how many do you think we’re gonna have?”

“Well, darlin’, I figured we’d start with one and see how it goes. But if that kid is anything like you, I’m thinking we’ll have our hands full.”

Izzy shook her head, a laugh bubbling up in her throat. “Likeme? You’re the impossible, stubborn ass.”

“You love me anyway.”

“I do. More than anything.” She stepped closer, careful not to disturb the sleeping boy in his arms, and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. “And I can’t wait to start a family with you.”

As they emerged from the trees, the base camp came into view, a flurry of activity. Dylan’s parents were already running toward them, tears streaming down their faces. Rylan carefully handed the boy over to his mother’s waiting arms, stepping back as the family reunited in a tangle of hugs and relieved sobs.

This was what it was all about—the reunions, the relief, the chance to give families back what they’d thought they’d lost.

“Thank you,” Dylan’s father choked out, clasping Rylan’s hand. “Thank you for bringing our boy back to us.”

Rylan nodded, his throat tight with emotion. “Just doing our job, sir. We’re just glad he’s safe.”

Izzy slipped her hand into Rylan’s as they watched the joyful reunion. “I love this part,” she murmured. “It never gets old.”

“No, it doesn’t.” He tore his gaze away from the family and scanned the base camp. Zak and Anna stood together by the tent, their arms around each other as they shared a quiet moment. Shane and Pierce laughed with Ellie, who held a mug of coffee in one hand and gestured animatedly with the other. Donovan tossed a stick for Spirit, who bounded after it with uncontainable joy. Even Veronica was smiling as she and Connelly guided the family toward her helicopter.

Rylan’s chest tightened, but it wasn’t with the familiar ache of grief or guilt. It was with something brighter, stronger—a steady, unshakable joy.

He realized Izzy was watching him with a knowing smile and sent her a sideways glance. “What?”

“Nothing,” she said, leaning her head against his shoulder. “You just look… happy.”

“I am,” he admitted, his voice thick. “I really am.” He reached into his pocket, his fingers brushing against the small velvet box he’d carried for weeks, waiting for the right moment.

And now, surrounded by the people who had become his family, with the woman he loved by his side, he knew there would never be a more perfect time.

“Hey, Iz, can I ask you something?”

She turned to him, her brow furrowing slightly at the suddenly serious note in his voice. “What is it?”

He took a deep breath and dropped to one knee. The campfire’s glow caught the silver band as he opened the box, revealing the ring nestled inside. Izzy’s hand flew to her mouth, her eyes widening in shock.

“Isabella Delgado. You’ve stood by me through the darkest moments of my life and reminded me what it means to really live. You’re my best friend, my heart, my everything. And I don’t want to spend another day without knowing you’ll be by my side. Will you marry me?”

For a moment, there was only silence broken by the crackling of the fire. Then Izzy dropped to her knees in front of him and cupped his face in her hands as tears spilled down her cheeks.

“Yes,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “Yes, Rylan. A thousand times, yes.”

Relief and joy crashed over him as he slid the ring onto her finger, his hands steady despite the overwhelming emotion. Izzy threw her arms around his neck, holding him tightly as cheers and applause erupted from the team behind them.

“About fucking time,” Zak called, grinning from ear to ear.

Rylan shot him the finger behind Izzy’s back, then laughed when he noticed she was doing the same thing behind his. He pulled back just enough to press his forehead to hers. “I love you so damn much.”

They stood together, Izzy’s hand tucked securely in his as they turned to face their friends— their family. Valor pranced around their feet, his tail wagging so hard his whole body shook.

“Well, I guess this calls for a celebration,” Shane said, lifting his coffee mug in a toast. “To Rylan and Izzy!”

“To Rylan and Izzy!” The others echoed, their voices ringing out through the forest.

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