My interest is piqued. “Yes?”
“I think I know where I want to take my career. It just occurred to me the other day and it’s been stuck in my mind ever since. It just feels… right.”
I push off my hands and sit up straight. This is huge. I know it’s been a struggle for him to take the time. He’s loved his time with Eli, but he can’t stay home forever. We’ve talked a bit about how he does love law. It’s not something that he wants to turn his back on.
“That’s amazing, babe.” I reach out and give his arm a squeeze. “What is it?”
His eyes hold mine. “I want to open up a firm… with you.”
For a beat, all the air seems to disappear from the room. My heart thunders against my ribs because this—this is the dream I whispered to the stars when I was a teen and believed we could change the world.
“A firm?” I manage, barely louder than a whisper. “Walker, are you serious?”
He nods once, his expression steady but vulnerable. “We always said we’d fight for the people who get overlooked. Kids in the system, families who can’t afford representation, victims who need someone in their corner.” His fingers lace with mine. “I want to build that. With you. Not somebody. Not in five years. Now.”
Emotion surges up, burning hot behind my eyes. “You mean… like lawyers for good?” I say our phrase like it’s a sacred truth we buried but never forgot.
A slow smile spreads across his face—soft and certain. “Exactly like that.”
I let out a breath that feels like hope. “Walker, that’s—” I choke out a laugh, swiping at my eyes. “That’s everything I’ve ever wanted.”
He pulls me closer until his forehead rests against mine. “It’s all I’ve ever wanted too. I want to fight the bad in this world together—with you by my side.”
“Yes,” I breathe, no hesitation.
He grins, all boyish charm and unwavering determination, and kisses me like he can already see the sign on the door. “Harlow and Turner,” I say out loud.
His smiles fades instantly. I don’t know what I said wrong. Maybe he doesn’t like the name. I’m open to other options. I open my mouth to correct myself but he places his finger on my lips to stop me.
“I was thinking,” he says softly as he reaches into his pocket. “Something more like Harlow and Harlow. If you’d take my name.”
He opens a box and the most gorgeous, twinkly diamond ring shines brightly back at me. My entire body feels like it’s been plugged into a live wire— buzzing, trembling, overflowing all at once.
“Jessie,” he says, voice low but steady, like he’s pouring every ounce of love he has into my name. “From the moment I met you, I felt a shift in my life. I’ve never been much of a believer in fate, but you’ve always felt like my destiny. Life is brighter with you in it. I want to spend the rest of my days making sure you know just how loved you are. How wanted you are. Every single minute.”
My heart clenches so tightly it almost hurts.
He swallows, nerves flickering across his features even though his voice stays steady. “Jessie Turner… will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? My partner in life, law, in everything?”
A broken sound escapes me— half laugh, half sob. How could I ever say anything but yes to the man I’ve loved and longed for through every messy, unsteady part of myself?
“Yes,” I whisper, my voice shaking. “Of course, yes!”
His grin is instant— bright enough to rival the diamond he slides onto my finger with careful hands. My breath catches as the ring settles into place, like it’s always belonged there. LikeI’vealways belonged with him.
Walker places his hand behind my neck and bring me in for a kiss that knocks the air from my lungs. I kiss him back with everything that I have then bury my face into his neck laughing as tears continue to fall.
He pulls my face up and cups my cheeks. “I can’t wait to build our future,” he murmurs softly.
I press my hand to his chest, right over his racing heart. “We already are.”
His smile softens as he rests his forehead against mine, and in that moment I swear I can see our entire future unfolding— a little office with our name on the door, Eli running around the waiting room with a juice box, a life full of purpose and love and second chances.
“Harlow and Harlow,” he says again voice full of awe.
“Looks like we’re officially a team,” I breathe.
He takes the ring out of the box and glides it up my finger into place. It fits perfectly. I hold my hand in the air and we both study it in awe.
