Page 109 of Embers in Our Souls
Once she reaches me, Noah brings her hand to rest in mine. I lean into her and whisper, “You look beautiful.”
“I just woke up and now my eyes are puffy from reading your letter,” she whispers.
I’ve never seen a more beautiful sight.
I get down on one knee, my heart once again racing.
“Tyler.” She cups my cheek with one hand.
“Indiana, for years I have loved you, yet I haven’t been able to find the courage to tell you. I have kept those words inside and hidden. I don’t want to live a life where no one knows how much I love you anymore. I want everyone to know you are mine and I am yours. I want to wear my love for you out in the open.” I bring my lips to the inside of her palm and kiss it. “Will you officially become Indiana Hunter?”
She’s nodding, with tears running down her cheeks. Finally, she says, “Of course, Ty. I love you.”
Standing, I wrap my arms around her waist, while she brings her arms around my neck. I hear Noah cheering. I reach for him, and I feel this little family of ours celebrating in our bubble for a moment together. It’s everything I’ve been searching for, and I finally get to have it.
Jerry and Scarlet offer their house two weeks later for an impromptu lunch we’ve posed as an engagement party. Indiana’s parents even flew in from Vegas.
Prior to the engagement, Indy did take some time to let it all out regarding past frustrations with Diana and Gary. She told them how hard it has been since Bryce’s death and the pain they caused her when she became Noah’s guardian.
At first, it seemed there’d be some pushback, but finally Diana and Gary listened. The conversation was productive, and I feel there might be some healing occurring in the relationship.
This brought a new conversation between Indiana and her parents—that of her finding Jerry and Scarlet. I could tell that was a tough subject for her, but I’m proud of her for tackling it. It was necessary before this gathering today so there wouldn’t be any animosity between her sets of parents. It seems, from what I can see, everyone is getting along.
“Maybe it’s time to say something. The butterflies are eating me alive, Ty,” she whispers.
I pull her lips closer, loving the way she feels against me.
I shout into the crowd, “Hey, everyone. Thanks so much for coming today. We’re so happy you’ve joined us.”
We’ve gathered many friends from all around, even some that she went to school with and coworkers from Chicago as well.
Everyone cheers, holding up their drinks and whistling. I see Noah jumping up and down, trying to see over those that are taller than him. River moves him closer to the front.
“We have a little surprise for you all; Indy and I have actually already tied the knot. We did it in a civil ceremony. We’re excited to start our next steps forward, with Noah by our side.” I reach out and Noah comes bounding over.
“Let’s hear it for the new Mr. and Mrs. Hunter!” River calls out, his beer high up in the air. Everyone else joins him and I feel that pride swell in my chest.
I look down at Indiana as I wrap my arm around her. I see the glint of my wedding band, the same ring I had that night years ago, finally resting back on my ring finger, shining back at me.
People come up to congratulate us on the wedding, surprised we tricked them with the engagement-slash-wedding. We wanted this to be an intimate affair, really focusing on us with Noah, and bringing everyone together for a gathering afterwards. Because we have been married for years and no one knew, we thought it best to simply have a party to celebrate the continuation of this union together; of love and happiness that we are excited to see blossom as the years move forward.
The night goes on, with laughter and love. I feel surrounded with the found family I know we both felt we missed. As much as things were strained with Diana and Gary, I think with time, things will start to heal for them. I walk over to where Indy is dancing with Noah.
“Join us.” She laughs. They reach out for me to hold on to their hands.
The three of us are dancing until Noah sees Kalli and Vivienne walking by.
“I want to see Viv!” And before we can say anything else, he’s running off.
I pull my wife into my arms and breathe in her vanilla scent that I love so much. “I can’t wait to live on forever with you.”
“I can’t wait either,” she tells me, her smile growing across her face. “I really am at peace right now.”
“Same, baby.” I kiss her cheek.
“Sorry to break things up, lovebirds, but it’s tradition to do a money dance.” River walks up to us, putting his arm around us.
“Um, we weren’t planning on doing that,” I tell him.
