"Don't worry about it, Reena. I think Porter has it covered."
When I turn, Porter is down on his knee, a small, square in his hand, and Uncle Cliff is standing behind him, a wide grin on his face.
"Reena, love, I never expected to find someone like you, but now that I have, I never want to be without you in my life. Will you marry me?"
My heart pounds and the happiness I feel spirals into elation. There's no hesitation, no need to think it over. I give him the only answer I have.
"I absolutely will."
The crowd around us claps and cheers, and Porter stands, sliding the ring on my finger. It fits, and it's only then that I take a look at it. A glittering diamond, the facets of the emerald cut catching the light from the windows and throwing a ribbon of rainbows onto the floor around us, and it's perfect. Everything I could have asked for.
Porter kisses me, and everyone cheers once more. Then my Uncle Cliff is pulling me into his arms, his hug tight. He murmurs into my ear, "Congratulations, kid. You've done well," and it takes me back to my childhood. To the days when he was the one teaching me things, helping me learn what I needed, guiding me through life and celebrating every win with me.
To have him here, recognizing me, and seeing this moment happen, makes it even more special.
"I love you, old man." I squeeze him tight and he pats my back, before releasing me to be congratulated by all those gathered around us.
Dr. Nance produces a tray of key lime tarts, and they are passed around until everyone is indulging in them. Porter appears behind me, his strong frame supporting and genuine warmth washes through me. His arms circle my waist and I lean back, knowing he'll hold me up.
"Is this what you expected?"
I look up at him, and the smile curving his lips is familiar now. I see it more often than not, and that's just more proof of how we've both changed. "I had no expectations, really. But seeing this, now, it's perfect. Thank you."
He leans down, his lips landing on mine, and I can taste the citrusy flavor from the tarts on his lips. My favorite dessert and my favorite people, all gathered together for this important moment.
Celebrating the love we've found.
The love we'll have forever.
EPILOGUE
EPILOGUE
THREE YEARS LATER
PORTER
I pause at the cabin door, listening to the soft sound of Reena singing quietly. She glides easily back and forth, swaying with our baby girl Roxanne in her arms.
It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.
During the week, we stay in town at the home Reena shared with her Uncle Cliff, but we make an effort to come up here on the weekends and enjoy the serenity of the mountain.
Between my work for the resort and the event planning business Reena has built, our lives were busy before our baby arrived, but everything we do has taken on new importance now. We're building toward something, and my life is so full that it's hard to believe the lonely man I used to be ever existed.
Reena catches sight of me, placing one finger against her lips to tell me our little girl is sleeping. I love these two with everything I have.
My wife slips away, taking our baby into the bedroom to lay her down in the crib, and I carry the bundle of wood over to the fireplace. By the time Reena's returned, I've got the fire started and it's crackling quietly as the sun sinks down behind the peak.
"It's been a good weekend, hasn't it?" Reena sits down beside me on the couch, leaning her head on my shoulder and lacing her fingers with mine.
"It has. Do you feel ready for the fundraiser at the resort? Gloria's art show is really coming together."
She nods. "It is. Her suggestion that we use this as an opportunity to raise money for dementia research seemed like the perfect fit. And all the veterans that have been volunteering at the facility have agreed to bring the residents so they can see the show, too. It's working out well."
"I think having the service animals and their handlers coming to visit the care facility regularly has been something everyone has really benefited from. And now that you're working with the Rescue and Restoration team on their events, that gives you even more opportunities to have them extend their reach with different groups."
"It's been fulfilling." Reena doesn't protest when I slide my hands under her legs and pull her into my lap. "Being able to work with these different groups, to make a difference like this, it means so much to me. And it would never have happened without you."
