Page 89 of Flare
Ward drew her close, his lips finding hers in a tender kiss. When he pulled back, his eyes shimmered with emotion. Then, to Emily’s astonishment, he rose from the porch swing and lowered himself to one knee before her.
“Ward?” Her heart pounded.
He withdrew a small wooden box from his jacket pocket. Emily recognized his handiwork immediately—the intricate geometric design made from assorted woods and mother-of-pearl inlaid on the top and sides, the perfectly fitted lid, the small silver hinge.
“I made this for you,” he said, his voice steady despite the flush creeping up his neck.“To hold this.”
He flipped open the lid, revealing a ring nestled on a cushion of deep blue velvet. The band was rose gold, delicate yet substantial, set with a golden topaz that caught the fading light and glowed like his bear-shape’s eyes.
“My birthstone,” Emily whispered, fresh tears blurring her vision.
Ward nodded.“I remember you said you didn’t like diamonds. So, I found something as warm and golden as you are.”
Emily couldn’t speak, her throat tight with emotion as Ward took her left hand in his.
“Emily Clarke,” he said, his voice clear and strong despite the vulnerability in his eyes,“I love you with everything I am. Myheart, my bear, every part of me belongs to you. Will you marry me? Will you be my mate and spend the rest of our lives together?”
“Yes,” Emily managed, her voice breaking on the single syllable.“Yes, Ward Swanson. Yes to all of it. I love you so much.”
Joy exploded across Ward’s face as he slipped the ring onto her finger. It fit perfectly. Emily threw her arms around his neck as he rose to his feet. She buried her face against his chest as happy sobs shook her body.
Ward held her tightly, his own breath coming in unsteady hitches that told her he was fighting back tears of his own.
“I love you,” she repeated against his neck.“I want to be with you forever.”
They stood wrapped in each other’s arms as the last light faded from the sky, existing in a perfect bubble of happiness. Finally, Ward pulled back just enough to kiss her again, this time with a certainty and passion that left her breathless.
“Should we go tell everyone?” he asked, resting his forehead against hers.
Emily nodded, eager to share their good news. Hand in hand, they descended the porch steps and made their way back to the meadow where the party continued, now illuminated by strings of Edison bulbs that gave everything a warm, golden glow.
As they approached the main gathering, Emily noticed a sudden hush fall over the crowd. Then Mark Swanson’s voice boomed out:“Well, son? Did she say yes?”
Ward lifted their joined hands, Emily’s ring catching the light.“She did!”
The eruption of cheers was deafening. Emily found herself swept into a whirlwind of hugs, kisses, and congratulations.
Ward’s mom, Caitlyn, enveloped her in a tearful embrace, murmuring,“Welcome to the family, sweetie. I hope you’ll call me Mom.”
Then Emily spotted something that made her gasp in surprise. Suspended between two trees was a handmade banner:“CONGRATULATIONS, WARD & EMILY!”
“How did they know?” Emily asked, turning to Ward with widened eyes.
He grinned, the flush on his cheeks deepening.“Imighthave mentioned that I was going to ask you today.”
“We’ve been waiting all afternoon for him to pop the question!” Maggie called out, pushing through the crowd to catch Emily in a hug.“I thought Eddie was going to chicken out on us!”
Emily felt overwhelmed by the realization that the entire Swanson clan had been waiting to welcome her into their family officially.
These people had taken her in when she had no one, had protected her, supported her, and loved her without reservation. She was honored beyond belief to become one of them.
“And now,” Maggie announced, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes,“the newly engaged couple should cut their cake!”
She gestured toward a table where a beautiful creation stood waiting. Two tiers of vanilla buttercream were decorated with tiny fondant teddy bears holding paws around the perimeter. On top, a larger pair of bears—one dark brown, one golden blonde—sat side by side, miniature hearts floating above their heads.
“Oh, Maggie,” Emily breathed,“it’s perfect.”
Ward slipped his arm around Emily’s waist as they approached the cake together. All around them, the Swanson family gathered close, their faces alight with genuine happiness for the couple.
