“Sage, I thought I knew what I wanted out of life and then you walked in and turned that upside down.” He smiles. “The universe kept us apart until I was ready to be the man you need me to be. You are the most kind, smart, beautiful woman I’ve ever met, and you were there for me when I pushed everyone else away. You weren’t afraid of hurting my feelings or if I would be angry. No, you loved me too much to care about those things.” He grins before continuing, “In return, I promise to love, honor and cherish you, spending the rest of my life proving worthy of your unconditional love if you say yes.” He inhales deeply and his eyes turn solemn. “Sage Summers, will you marry me?”
It feels as though the entire town holds its breath and even the band stops playing. My throat tightens and it’s hard for me to breathe.
I get a flashback of the first time I walked into Cedar Brook Falls when I was a young girl, and it makes me pause.
We weren’t meant to stop in this town, but my mother fell in love with the fountain and the waterfall. It was here at this fountain that we picnicked and decided to stay for two weeks. I’m standing where my mother stood as she held my hand and we walked these streets. I can almost feel her soft skin against mine and I clench my fist, imagining that she’s here. A soft breeze sweeps my hair to the side, and it feels just like my father’s touch. I’m lost in the wind, drowning out the stares and I only feel love around me. A tear falls, and I feel it deep in my heart that my parents are with me at this moment, and I say the words with my shoulders back and my chest puffed out, “Yes, I will marry you.”
Casey jumps to his feet and kisses me. I can feel his heart beating next to mine. It calms me and makes me feel safe.
It feels like home.
A crowd forms around us and the band starts playing again. My friends hug me from behind and Jane whispers in my ear, “I’m so happy for you both.”
Austin pulls his brother away to hug him and there’s tears in his eyes. He lets him go so that his father can congratulate him, too. “You did good, son. Real good.”
Mrs. Tucker approaches us, her eyes red and puffy. “You told me this was a homecoming party,” I say.
She shrugs. “Casey wanted to surprise you and I wanted everything to be perfect. Welcome to the family, Sage. We’re lucky to have you.”
I throw my arms around her and hold back a sob. “Thank you,” I whisper.
She pulls back and wipes her eyes. “Let’s get this proposal party started with ice cream for everyone!”
The children cheer and Casey pulls me back to his side. “Did I really surprise you?”
“Of course. I had no idea.”
“I did tell you that when I did propose it would be memorable.”
“Yes.” I laugh. “I just didn’t know how much. This place means a lot to me. Did you know that this is where my parents and I ate when we came to Cedar Brook Falls the first time?”
“No, I would have thought it would be at the falls.”
“Yes, we did that too, but my mother loved this fountain. I can feel their presence, and I think we have their blessing.”
He kisses the top of my head. “I wish your parents were here so I could ask permission to marry you.”
“My dad wouldn’t have hesitated. He could spot a good man from a mile away and you’re a very good man, Casey Tucker.”
“Only after I met you.”
I smile. “Maybe. You were a bit of a jerk in the beginning. You didn’t even like the town back then.”
“I know. I was such an asshole. Thank God you set me straight,” he says with a grin. “Your love of this town healed me. When I see it through your eyes, I see the beauty of it. I can even get a little nostalgic now finding some good memories like The Creamery.”
“That’s good because it’s where I’ll be.”
He smiles. “I know, baby. I know you love it.”
“I love you more,” I say.
“Maybe. But I won’t make you choose. I know I’ll end up loving this place too because you’re here and it’s your home.”
I caress his arm. “Home is in our hearts. I know we’ll figure it out together.”
He kisses me and someone throws white confetti all over us. Casey brushes it off my face while I laugh and sputter. “Ok, but no confetti at the wedding.”
He kisses me again. “Noted.”
