The joy.
The hope.
The love.
She plucks the ring from the box and holds it in her shaking hand. Her eyes shine with tears. “Indy?”
“I love you,” I blurt. “More than words. More than anything. I’ve never loved anyone like this before. I didn’t know… I mean, I knew it existed. Love. I’ve seen it. My parents, Eden and Rafe, my friends… but I didn’t know how itfelt.”
“Indy,” Bea whispers. “I love you, too.”
“I didn’t know that my love for you could feel so big. Like it’s too big for my body. I didn’t know I would think about you all the time. I didn’t know that I would feel your pain like it was my own. And that when you’re happy, I am, too.”
“Oh, Indy.” She takes my hand. “I didn’t know, either. I’ve seen it, but I never thought it would happen to me. And I never…” Her face screws up. “I never, ever thought I’d find someone like you.”
“Like me?”
“Someone who would do anything for me. Who believes in me no matter what. And Indy… you’re amazing. Everything about you. And I love you so, so much.”
“You’reamazing.” I take the ring and hold it out to her. “Will you marry me, Beatrix Howe? It doesn’t have to be soon; we can wait as long as you want. Or as soon as you want. Whatever makes you happy. I’ll do it. I just want to marry you, whenever you’ll have me.”
Tears shine in Bea’s eyes. She swallows hard. “Yes, Indy Garrison. I will marry you. And I don’t need to wait. IknowI want to be your wife. And I know I want to spend a lifetime with you.”
As I slide the ring on her finger, my eyes burn. “I can’t wait to spend a lifetime with you, too.”
Once I stand, I pull Bea into my arms and kiss her with all the emotion surging through my body.
She clutches the back of my head and tugs me closer. Her teeth nip into my lip. Her fingers tangle in my hair.
My heart is thundering in my chest. Not from fear, but pure exhilaration.
My fiancée.
When we finally break apart, I look down at Bea’s flushed face and shining eyes and ask, “How soon can we get married, then?”
Bea’s gaze goes soft. “Soon.”
“Tomorrow?” Because I would. If she said yes, I would marry her tomorrow.
With a laugh, she replies, “Maybe not tomorrow. My mom would pitch a fit. But how about September? Since my parents are already coming to visit?”
September.
I take a moment to think about it. Can I wait two months to call Bea my wife?
“Of course.” I cup Bea’s cheek. “September sounds perfect.”
Bea beams. “September then.” She kisses me again. “I can’twaitto be your wife.”
I stoke my hand down her hair. “I can’t wait to be your husband.”
After a moment, Bea’s smile sobers. “Thank you for believing in me.”
My throat goes thick.
She was the one who believed in me first.
“Thank you, Bea.” I close my eyes as I kiss the top of her head. “For everything.”
