Warm sunlight caressed Cora’s cheeks like a promise of a happy future. A light breeze blew from the north, carrying a prelude to autumn, and the smell of freshly mowed grass filled her lungs. With her arm hooked through Ethan’s, she watched Finn, David, and Harry hitting the ball with a cricket bat whileMrs. Parker complained about too much fresh air. The warm day and the two boys enjoying themselves lifted a weight from her chest.
She would live this moment fully. She would enjoy Ethan, David, and the sunlight without poisoning her happiness with fear. It’d taken a long time to learn that lesson, but better late than never.
Sitting under the shade of a tall birch in the park, she snuggled closer to Ethan.
He tugged at her hand. “Do you know what birches symbolise?”
“No idea.”
He shifted his position to kiss her hand. “New beginnings.”
“I like new beginnings.”
The boys’ happy voices broke the spell. She laughed as Harry improvised a victory dance after a particularly good delivery. David accused him of cheating. Another normal Tuesday.
Ethan lent closer to whisper in her ear, “Promise me you won’t be angry.”
She faced him. “About what?”
“Just promise me.”
She narrowed her gaze. “Your request is suspicious, but I promise not to be angry. Or try to.”
He took out a small velvet box from his pocket. “This is for you.” He opened the lid, revealing a beautiful golden band with a gemstone the colour of amber.
Her breath caught in her chest. “Ethan…”
“Don’t say it’s too early and that we don’t know if the annulment will be successful and that the world will end, and we’re all doomed, and whatever other disaster you can think of. Please. This once, be optimistic and make me the happiest man in the world.”
She pointed a finger at him. “You’re making fun of me.”
“I wouldn’t dare.” He smiled. “The stone is an amber sapphire. I didn’t know they existed. I chose it because it matches your eyes, and I hope to see it on your finger every day for the rest of our lives.”
“It’s beautiful.” She stretched out her hand, giggling with happiness.
Ethan’s chest expanded as he slid the ring onto her finger. “I guess that means you agree to be my wife.”
She pouted. “I don’t remember you asking.”
He barked out a laugh. “Let me make amends.” He kissed her hand. “My lovely Cora, would you do me the great honour of being my?—”
“Yes.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Yes, yes, yes.” She scattered kisses on his face as he hugged her and laughed.
“Your lordship, your ladyship, please.” Mrs. Parker dabbed her forehead with a handkerchief. “Congratulations, by the way, but please.”
“You’re right, Mrs. Parker,” Cora said.
“We’ll be happy. I promise,” he whispered, moving away from Cora.
“I believe you.” Her heart burst with joy.
“What a charismatic scene.” A shadow crept over Cora.
She hadn’t heard Jacob’s voice in weeks, but hearing it now brought her back in time in a moment. Visions of the dark days with him flashed across her mind. Shivers danced on her skin. Cold gripped her stomach, and her knees threatened to buckle. She released Ethan and gazed up, and here he was, standing like a crow in front of her, obscuring the sunlight.
Ethan shot up before she could draw her next breath. “Leave.”
Jacob didn’t spare a glance at him. He kept his stare on Cora. “Believe me, I have no intention of enduring your company morethan necessary. I simply wanted to deliver a quick message tomywife.” He glared at the ring.
