He squeezed her hand, chuckling.
It felt so good to be with him again. They’d dated long distance through the entire school year, getting to know each other better via FaceTime and long-weekend visits. Sadie had spent her entire Christmas break on the island. Sam had come to New York during her spring break.
They discussed their future often. While Sam was willing to give up his place in the family business, she wouldn’t let him do that. She’d come to realize the city wasn’t her dream after all.In fact, her returns to the island had felt very much like coming home.
And thanks to Mrs.Miller’s generosity, Sadie had been able to come here for the summer—or at least part of it. After buying the real estate company she’d spent years working for, Mrs.Miller had decided to put retirement on hold. She’d recently put the beach duplex on the market. Sadie happily agreed to keep it in tip-top shape for showings. Although since she’d arrived June third, there’d been only two.
Sadie’s parents had loved the island—they’d visited two weeks ago. They were still in counseling and seemed to be doing well. They were determined to work on their issues. Sadie was hopeful they were on their way to a better relationship. The three of them had an honest discussion about Sadie’s childhood. Her parents felt terrible about the instability they’d put her through and apologized for hurting her. It had been a tearful but healing night.
Later that week the Fords had them all over to dinner one evening, and the families got along well. Her parents adored Sam, as she’d known they would.
Now Sadie and Sam reached the backyard, and out of habit she headed straight for the Little Library. She would let Rio out after she checked on her books. She’d had precious little time to maintain it recently as she’d been busy writing her second romance novel.
Because, yes, her first book had actually been quite a hit. It hadn’t made a big bestseller list or scored a national TV interview, but she’d enjoyed a very successful launch. In only one month the book had earned out, and Rosewood House had already offered her a four-book contract. She had at least a few more romance novels in her.
Sam was right at her side as she opened the door of the library. Though the beach path was lit, the inside of the box remained dark.
“Need a little help?” He shone his phone flashlight, illuminating the full shelves.
“Thanks. I need to put another one of my books in here. I added one the other day but somebody already—Oh. They must’ve brought it back.” Sulking, Sadie pulled it from the top shelf. “Hopefully they didn’t hate it.”
“I’m sure that’s not the case.”
“The binding hasn’t even been creased. It looks like they didn’t even—Huh.” She frowned. The cover wasn’t lying flat, as if there was something inside. Sadie flipped it open and found—
A ring.
An engagement ring tied somehow to the title page with a white ribbon. She sucked in a breath. Her heart pounded in her chest. She glanced up to find Sam...
Kneeling beside her.
Her hand flew to her mouth. “Oh my gosh.”
“The last ring you found in that library took us on a journey that led us right here. And I hope this ring will lead us on an even longer journey that takes you everyplace you want to go.”
Her eyes filled with tears. She couldn’t so much as breathe past the feelings swelling inside.
“Sadie Goodwin... I love you more than I ever thought I could love a woman. I’ve loved you from near and loved you from afar, but I’m ready to have you by my side every day for the rest of my life. I hope you want that too. Will you marry me?”
Sadie dropped down to her knees—mostly because her legs failed. “Oh, Sam, I love you so much.Yes.Yes to all that and so much more.”
He took her mouth in a kiss that stole the rest of her breath. His arms tightened around her and she threaded her fingers into his lovely hair. This man. She would move across the world to be with him. And even better—she knew he would do the same for her.
It was minutes before they came up for air. As they gazed into each other’s eyes, Sadie soaked up his love for her. His was a steady kind of love. He’d proven that over and over during their months together and apart. They’d failed each other a time or two. And they’d talked it out and come to a resolution.
They were not her parents.
She thought of what had just happened and blinked. It still seemed surreal. Her lips ticked up. “I can’t believe you proposed with my book. How perfect—how thoughtful.”
The ring. She searched for the book, which had fallen to the ground at some point. She grabbed it and opened to the page. She couldn’t wait to get that ring on her finger. Her fingers trembled as she worked the ribbon.
“Here, let me.” He helped her untie the meticulous knot. “I couldn’t bring myself to mutilate your beautiful book.”
“What if someone had taken it while we were at the restaurant?”
“I had my mom and dad slip it inside the box when we were leaving the restaurant. They were thrilled to have a role in our big night.”
By the time he pulled the ring from the ribbon, they weresitting side by side on the grass. He held the twinkling marquise diamond set on a silver band and she lifted her hand. It slid easily onto her finger.
