“I want you beside me for the rest of my life,” he said. “I want to wake up to your tea, your laughter, your brutally honest fashion critiques—”
“They’re not critiques. They’re cries for help.”
“—and your fierce, fearless heart. Marry me.”
She blinked through the mist in her eyes. Then smiled—a radiant, reckless smile. “Yes.”
His arms wrapped around her again, laughter warm in her hair. The fire behind them crackled, as if the very air exhaled relief.
They kissed again.
And this time, it felt like the beginning.
Not the end of a storm, but the start of something bright and boundless. Perhaps she’d been waiting all along, not to be saved, not tofindlove, but to step into her own story. And now she had.
Chapter Thirty-One
Maddie’s heart beatfar too quickly for how slowly they were walking. Sebastian’s hand was warm around hers, steady as ever, and yet her fingertips trembled. Her ring—still unfamiliar, still a miracle—glinted in the morning light. It felt like a promise wrapped around her finger.
They crossed the threshold into the east drawing room, and she had only a breath to take in the familiar scene before the moment shifted.
Ashley sat on the settee, a book forgotten in her lap. Charlene sipped tea from an oversized porcelain cup, her brow arched in its usual pose of amused detachment. Sera stood at the window, chin lifted, as if soaking strength from the pale winter sun.
They looked up.
And then they saw.
Sebastian cleared his throat, but Maddie could feel the smile rising in his chest through the hand she held.
“We’ve something to tell you,” he said.
Ashley blinked. Once. Then again.
Charlene froze mid-sip.
Sera’s eyes widened.
Maddie glanced up at him, nerves bubbling like champagne in her chest. But then he squeezed her hand once—sure and steady—and shefelt them quiet.
“She said yes,” Sebastian said simply. “Miss Madeleine will be my wife.”
The words landed like snow—soft, silent, and then—
Ashley shrieked.
“Oh, Maddie!” she cried, flying across the room, arms flung wide, laughter and tears pouring out in one joyous mess. “I knew it! I told you you’d be next!”
Before Maddie could reply, Sera barreled into her from the other side, handkerchief pressed to her cheek, shoulders shaking with happy sobs.
“It’s happening again! Another one—it’s happening again!”
Charlene stood slowly, placing her tea down with deliberate grace.
“Well,” she said, smoothing her skirts, “the final domino falls.” She stepped forward and, with a rare and elegant smile, added, “It’s about time.”
Maddie laughed, breathless, her heart near bursting.
Ashley caught her hands. “Let me see it—show me the ring!”
