Page 78 of Found By You
Her brother stood there, leaning slightly on a cane, but standing tall and grinning. He looked better than when I’d last seen him in the hospital; color back in his face, strength in his stance despite the obvious lingering pain.
“Surprise,” he said.
Azalea was on her feet in a flash, rushing to him with a strangled cry. She flung her arms around him carefully, clearly mindful of his injuries, tears streaming down her face. “What—how?—”
“Easy,” he laughed, hugging her back. “Doctor cleared me for travel yesterday. He said fresh mountain air might do me good.”
She pulled back, looking from him to me to my family, all of whom were smiling broadly. “But how did you get here? The hospital was in Denver, and?—”
Greg shrugged, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “McCrae arranged everything. Private medical transport, a place to stay.”
I stood, pushing back my chair. “There’s someone I’d like everyone to meet,” I said, moving to stand beside Azalea and Greg. “This is Greg Ryan, Azalea’s brother and apparently my new friend, since we spent nearly three hours on the phone yesterday going over all of this.”
Greg waved to the table at large. “Pleasure to meet you all. I’ve heard nothing but good things.”
Kayla laughed. “Nice to meet you.”
“Yes,” everyone agreed.
“What did you two talk about for three hours?” Azalea asked, turning to me.
I took a deep breath. “About how much I love you.”
The room went utterly still.
Azalea’s eyes widened.
“I know it’s fast,” I continued, my voice steadier than I expected. “I know some people would say we’re crazy. But when you know, you know.” I took her hands in mine. “And I know, Azalea Ryan.”
I lowered myself to one knee, pulling the small velvet box from my pocket.
Behind her, I could see my mother already dabbing at her eyes with a napkin. Kayla was bouncing in her seat.
I grinned up at her already tear misted eyes. “I wanted your brother here because he’s your family, and family matters. It matters to me, and I know it matters to you.” I opened the box, revealing the diamond ring.
Her hands flew to her mouth. “What?”
“I don’t need more time to know that I want to spend the rest of my life with you,” I said, my heart pounding so hard I was sure everyone could hear it. “I love your strength, your determination, your kind heart. I love how you fit with my family like you’ve always been here. I love that you’re willing to start a new life in this small town because it feels right to you too.”
I took another deep breath. “Azalea Ryan, will you marry me?”
Time seemed to stand still as I waited for her answer.
“I …” she started. Then she stopped, her voice catching on emotion.
My heart skipped a beat. Was she hesitating? Had I misjudged everything?
Then she was nodding, tears spilling down her cheeks. “Yes,” she whispered. “Yes, McCrae, I would love to marry you.”
I laughed and slipped the ring onto her finger. I stood and pulled her into my arms, kissing her as my family erupted in cheers around us. I could feel her smiling against my lips, her arms wrapped tightly around my neck.
When we broke apart, Greg was there, his eyes suspiciously bright. “I approve,” he said, clapping me on the shoulder.
“You’d better,” I laughed. “I asked your permission, after all.”
“Wait,” Azalea said, looking between us. “That’s what you talked about yesterday?”
Greg nodded. “Among other things. Like how I’m thinking of applying to the Refuge Falls Police Department.”
