Page 61 of Crossroads of Innocence
“Oh my gosh,” Jude said, covering her mouth with shaking hands. “Is that what I think it is?”
He flipped open the lid and grinned, his heart threatening to beat out of his chest. “I always dreamed of getting down on one knee in front of you with this ring, but I’m gonna need you to help me out a little and come sit beside me.”
“Okay,” she said, her breath wispy. She sat and faced him, tears shimmering in her eyes.
“Jude, I love you more than life itself. All my best memories include you. All my dreams are centered around our life together. You are my past, my present, and future. Will you be my wife and let me love you every day for the rest of my life?”
“Yes,” she said. “One thousand percent yes. Never in a million years did I think I could be lucky enough for you to still love me—still want me. I can’t wait to be your wife.”
He plucked the solitaire diamond from its plushy pillow and slipped it on her finger. “This was my mom’s ring. She wanted me to give it to someone I loved as much as she loved my dad. She may never understand how much I love you or know that we found our way back to each other, but I want to believe that deep down she always knew I’d give this ring to you one day.”
Jude tucked her thumb under his chin and drew his face inches from hers. “She knew, honey. Everyone’s always known we were meant to be together forever. Today and every day I choose you.”
“I choose you, too.” He captured her mouth with his and sealed their future with a kiss.
