Page 124 of Other Side Of Never
I’d dropped down some sort of wormhole in the space-time continuum.Was that a thing?I was spinning with confusion and simultaneously suffused with joy.
With a tentative finger, I flipped open the folder.
Halfway down the page, my hand flew to my mouth to contain my gasp.With tears stinging my eyes, I forced myself to begin again at the top, then spun around to face Kian.
And found him on one knee with his hands braced on his thigh.
“Without you this house is nothing but an empty shell.”He offered me his crooked smile.“Without you, I’m an empty shell.
“I stumbled toward love with you over a platter of baked chicken.But it was when you smacked my hand away from the last French fry that I well and truly fell.”
I huffed out a laugh, sniffing and smiling as tears streamed down my face.
Smiling up at me, hazel eyes warm and reassuring as always, he continued, “There’s not a lot I’m sure of and life offers no guarantees.
“I don’t know if I’m doing a good enough job with Isaiah, if I’ll ever fully recover from my wife’s death, or if I’m worthy of a second chance.
“But I know I love my sons.
“I know I made the right move coming to Sage Ridge.
“And I know I can safely build my world around you.”
A small sob bubbled up in my throat, causing me to gurgle and snort.
His eyes twinkled as his big chest rumbled with laughter.“Sweetheart,” he winked, “I’m begging you to not cry.”
Wiping my face, I smiled through my tears.“You know I love a man begging on his knees.”
“I know,” he laughed, then sobered.“My sweetheart, if you give me your heart, I promise I’ll hold you in every beat of mine.
“I love my family, but Ilivefor you and Isaiah.You are every second beat of my heart, and I swear to God, you’ll own the last one.”
Pressing my lips together, I nodded tightly.“Mhm.”
From underneath the palm resting on his thigh, he pulled out a ring box and snapped it open.
Reaching for my hand, he slid a platinum band boasting a large center diamond flanked by two slightly smaller ones.
“The side stones represent you and me, the center stone is everything that is us: you, me, Isaiah, Jake, and anything and everyone else you’ve hidden in your precious heart.From now until forever, I will always put us first.
“You’re my future, but I’m going to love you like there’s no tomorrow.”
Mouth trembling, I smiled down at him.“I’ll hold you to it.”
“Is that a yes?”
I nodded.“It’s a yes.”
Rising to his feet, he swept me up, bent me over his arm, and kissed me like it was the last time.
When he finally let me up for air, he tucked my face into his neck and murmured, “Just wait until you see what I got you for a wedding gift.”
30
Ever After
Overthenextfourweeks, Harley and Daire had a beautiful baby girl they named Cami, Wren turned the big 4-0, Kian finished our house, and the four of us moved in.
