Page 50 of Her Ohio Old Flame

She thought about the way he had looked at her after the verdict was read, his eyes filled with a gratitude that nearly brought her to tears. It wasn’t only her story that had put MacCready away—it was all of theirs, woven together into an undeniable truth.

Asha glanced at Zane, whose beloved face was shadowed in the fading light. He’d been her rock through it all, steady and unyielding, even when her own strength had wavered. But not all victims might have someone to lean on.

“Do you think they’ll be okay?” she asked softly.

“The kids?” Zane asked. “They’ve got a long road ahead, but yeah. They’ll be okay. And so will you.”

Her gaze dropped to their joined hands, where she brushed her thumb over his knuckles. The words bubbling up inside her, the ones she hadn’t even dared to think until now.

“I’m pregnant,” she blurted.

Zane froze, snapping his head toward her. For a moment, he simply stared, as if the words needed time to settle. Then his face broke into a grin so wide it made her heart ache.

“You’re…? Asha, are you serious?”

She nodded, and tears pricked her eyes. “I found out this morning. I was going to wait to tell you, but?—”

Zane pulled her into his arms and lifted her off the ground. He spun her in a circle, his laughter ringing out into the quiet evening air.

“You’re going to be amazing,” he said, setting her down but keeping her close. “We’regoing to be amazing.”

Asha rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. The words spilled out before she could stop them, raw and unfiltered. “Marry me.”

Zane pulled back, his eyes wide with surprise. Then his grin returned, softer this time, full of love and certainty. “Hell yes!” His voice was thick with emotion. “A million times yes.”

He tightened his arms around her, his lips brushing her temple as he whispered, “Love isn’t just a gift—it’s a choice—and I’ll keep choosing you, Asha, every day.”

She looked up, so full of emotion, her response soft, steady. “I’m so happy you gave me a second chance. You’re my beginning, my end, and everything in between.”

As the sky darkened and the stars blinked to life above them, they stood together in their back yard. Their love, once fractured, had been rekindled—stronger, truer, and unshakable. It was living proof that even in the darkest moments, second chances could light the way home.

THE END

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