Dad leans back in his chair. “You’re nearly thirty. You’ve lived a lot of life already. You’re not some sixteen-year-old who needs five years to figure out if she’s the one. You know what kind of woman she is. You’ve seen her at her worst and still want her. That says enough.”
Mom nods. “When you’re older, it’s less about time and more about certainty. And sometimes that certainty comes fast. Look at Jesse and Ella. Even Wes and Addison. He’s gonna propose by the end of the year.”
I nod slowly, the weight in my chest easing up just a little.
“She makes me better,” I admit. “She makes me happier and I feel complete. As stupid as that sounds. I want to step up into that role, for good. I don’t see a point in waiting around for something we already know we want.”
“Then don’t,” Dad says simply, and it’s all I needed to hear.
Chapter 36
Karissa
The ring on my left hand is going to take some getting used to. I still can’t believe Cody proposed.
We’d talked about it, sure. Said we’d wait until the new year, take our time, make sure it was right. But then this morning—Christmas morning—he handed me this obnoxiously large box wrapped in red paper. I thought it was a joke at first. Until I opened it and found a smaller box inside. That’s when I knew.
I knew it was a ring.
I love Cody. I’ve loved him for a while now. So when he asked for my ring size two weeks ago, yeah…I had a feeling something was possibly coming sooner. But nothing prepares you for the moment it actually happens.
Of course I said yes.
He told me afterward that if I’m ready, he’s already talked to his pastor about doing a small ceremony this coming Sunday after church. Just us…his family, if I want. No pressure. No big production. Just love.
It nearly knocked the wind out of me, but there wasn’t an ounce of doubt. I wanted that. Exactly that. Just like we talked about. No bigto-do, no flowers and seating charts and months of planning. He’s done the big wedding before and, ironically, I was never the girl who dreamed of one.
I’d marry Cody in a parking lot, barefoot and in a dress I already owned, if it meant I got to be his. That’s how much I love him.
It’s hard not to fall in love with a man who carries you through your hardest days. Who stays when things get heavy. Who makes you feel safe, even when your whole world is falling apart. Who teaches you how to trust again.
Cody’s been that for me since the day I came to Bellamy. My steady hand. My safe place. My home.
As I refresh the diaper bag, my eye catches the light snowfall coming down out the window, leaving a dusting over the walkway and porch steps.
Cody’s in the kitchen, pouring himself another cup of coffee. He came over this morning dressed for family brunch in dark jeans and a flannel, his hair still slightly damp from the shower. He looks good; smells good too.
Emma’s sitting on her play mat, babbling away with a new toy she just got this morning stuffed halfway into her mouth. Drool is dribbling down her chin. She’s been happier, finally, now that she can sit up and play.
I cross the kitchen, slipping my arms under his to wrap around his middle, my cheek finding its place between his shoulder blades.
He laughs softly. “Hey there.”
“Hi.”
He sets his mug down and turns around. My arms fall, only for him to pull me right back in, this time chest to chest. His hands slide around my back, warm and familiar.
“You happy?” he asks, voice low against my hair.
I nod and mumble, “Yeah.”
His lips brush the top of my head. “Good. Me too.”
And he holds me. He’s warm. The smell of his cologne mixed with coffee makes me feel at home.
I never imagined my life would look like this…
But God, I’m so glad it does.
