“I do. I love you more than I’ve ever loved anyone else. I can’t wait to see you each day. Even if we’re watching a movie with Jack and Louie, I’m happy and content, and all the things I’ve never been.”
“Are you worried about your stickability issue?”
Tears filled her eyes. “I don’t want to ever say goodbye, but I’m worried about what will happen.”
Richard breathed a sigh of relief. “What if I make you a promise?”
“Like the ones we made when we started dating?”
“Something like that. What if I promise I’ll love you until the day I die? That I’ll wrap my arms around you each day and tell you you’re my shining star. That I’ll always be here for you, through all the ups and downs of our life together.” He lifted his hand to her face and wiped away her tears. “That I’ll be right beside you until you’re not worried about your stickability issue anymore.”
Paris took a deep, trembling breath. If she walked away from Richard tonight, there would be no coming back. All the dreams she’d pushed to the back of her mind would stay there, stuck in a past she couldn’t change. They’d already taken the first step toward building a life together. She could take one more, even if it was a giant leap into the unknown.
She placed her hand over his heart. “That’s a wonderful promise.”
“But is it enough?”
“It will always be enough. For most of my life, I’ve run from any form of commitment. But if I run tonight, I’ll be leaving the only man who’s ever made me feel whole. You understand who I am and what I need, even before I do. You’re my soft place to fall and my greatest supporter. I couldn’t think of anything better than spending the rest of my life with you.”
“Does that mean you’ll marry me?”
Paris nodded. Through her tears she saw a small, wooden box in Richard’s hand. “You bought me a ring?”
“We bought you a ring.” He held out his hand, and Jack joined them.
“Why are you crying?” Jack asked.
Paris wiped her face. “They’re happy tears. How do you feel about me marrying your dad?”
“It will be fun. We can take Louie for more walks and watch Shrek whenever we want. Have you seen the garden we made?”
Paris looked around the yard.
“It’s over here.” Jack pulled her to an area that was surrounded by lavender. “There’s a space in the middle for another plant.”
“What kind of plant?”
Richard sent her a gentle smile. “I thought you might want to put your dad’s rose there.”
Fresh tears stung her eyes. “You remembered.”
“I want you to be happy, and having that connection to him is important to you.”
Jack tugged the sleeve of his dad’s jacket. “Paris hasn’t seen her ring.”
“You’re right.” Richard held the box in front of her. “Are you ready?”
“I am.” When he opened the box, her mouth dropped open.
“It’s a sapphire,” Jack said quickly. “Like the ones we found in the lake, but it’s big and shiny.”
“It’s the prettiest ring I’ve ever seen.”
For the second time that night, Richard got down on one knee. “Paris Haynes. Will you marry me and be a special part of Jack’s life?”
“And Louie’s,” Jack whispered.
Richard smiled. “And Louie’s.”
