Page 17 of Her Naughty Soldier

As the formal part of the ceremony ends, the room erupts into cheers and applause. I take a moment to soak it all in, the realization hitting me that this is just the beginning, both for these kids and for me. There's a sense of fulfillment in knowing that I've been part of something meaningful, something that's made a real difference.

In the midst of the celebration, my thoughts drift back to Lily, to us, and to the journey we've been on together. It's been a road of unexpected turns and challenges, but also one filled with moments of undeniable connection and growth.

She's been my rock, my muse, and my partner through it all.

I make my way through the crowd, heading toward her. She's talking animatedly with a group of kids, her laughter ringing out, filling the room with warmth. Watching her like this, in her element, I'm reminded again of just how incredible she is.

As I approach, she turns to me, her smile widening. "Hey," she says, her voice light and full of joy.

"Hey," I reply, my heart swelling with love and admiration. "Looks like it was a success, huh?"

"More than just a success," she responds, her eyes shining. "You did amazing, Ethan. These kids... they look up to you. You've made a real difference here."

I nod, acknowledging her words, but I know that it's not just me. It's us. Together, we've made an impact here that goes beyond just a mentorship program or a mural. We've created something lasting that will continue to inspire and change lives.

"I couldn't have done it without you, Lily," I say, my voice earnest. "You've been a part of this journey every step of the way."

She tries to laugh it off, her usual modesty kicking in. "I just painted a mural, Ethan. You're the one who's been mentoring these kids."

But I see the opportunity, the perfect moment to take the next step. I take a deep breath and reach into my pocket, feeling the small box that holds so much meaning.

"Lily," I begin, my voice steady but filled with emotion. "You've done so much more than paint a mural. You've brought color into my life. You've shown me how to see the world differently."

I drop to one knee, and the room falls silent. Every eye is on us, but at this moment, it's just Lily and me. I open the box to reveal a ring designed in the shape of a lily flower, its petals elegantly crafted, a symbol of my commitment and love, as unique and beautiful as she is.

"Lily Ward, will you marry me?" I ask, my heart pounding in my chest.

For a moment, she's speechless, her eyes wide with surprise. Then, a tear escapes, rolling down her cheek, and her lips curve into the most beautiful smile I've ever seen.

"Yes, Ethan. Yes, I will marry you," she says, her voice filled with laughter and tears.

The room erupts into cheers and applause as I slip the ring onto her finger. We stand up, and I pull her into a tight embrace, feeling her heart beat against mine. It's a moment of pure joy, a promise of a future filled with love, challenges, and shared sunrises.

As we break apart, I look into her eyes, seeing my future, my partner, my everything. "I love you, Lily. More than words can say."

"I love you too, Ethan. Always," she replies, her eyes shining with happiness.

The celebration continues around us, but for us, it's a new beginning. A future where we watch sunrises together, face challenges together, and build a life together. It's more than I ever dreamed of, and as I hold Lily in my arms, I know this is just the start of our story—a story of love, hope, and endless possibilities.

Epilogue 2

Lily

TheatticinJake'shouse feels like a treasure trove of memories, each object dusted with the past. As Ethan and I rummage through old boxes, searching for baby things our parents might have kept, I can't help but marvel at how much our lives have changed. Married now, with a baby on the way, it feels like we're on the brink of a whole new adventure.

Ethan lifts a box, his face lighting up. "Looks like we hit the jackpot, Lil," he says, revealing a pile of baby clothes and some old toys.

I laugh, picking up a tiny onesie. "Can you believe we'll have one of these little things soon?" I say, the reality of becoming a mother both exhilarating and daunting.

Ethan wraps an arm around me, kissing the top of my head. "We're going to be great, Lily. I can't wait to meet our little one."

As we continue to explore, I notice Ethan's gaze lingering on some old photographs. There's a hint of melancholy in his eyes, a reflection of the challenges we've faced and overcome together. But there's also a sense of hope, a testament to the strength of our love.

"We've been through a lot, haven't we?" I say, squeezing his hand.

"Yeah, but we've come out stronger," he replies, his voice firm with conviction. "Together, there's nothing we can't handle."

The sound of a moving truck outside catches my attention. Peering out the attic window, I see new neighbors moving in across the street. A woman, strikingly beautiful and curvy, is directing movers while holding a young child's hand.

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