Page 115 of Protected from Torment

“I thought about something private,” he says. “Something expensive and over the top romantic. But then I thought… maybe it would mean more if everyone we care about is here. Our parents. Our family. Our friends.”

“Thought about doing what in private?” I ask. My chest flutters with nervous butterflies. “What would mean more?”

He unfurls his hand to reveal a small velvet box. With a flick of his finger, the lid opens to reveal a sparkling ring inside. “Asking you to marry me.”

I gasp. “Are you⁠—”

“I’ve had the ring for months. Since Jeff was just a little bean. I thought about asking back then. But everything was so crazy. You were hurt, and then all the stress of the trials, and all the doctors’ appointments… Plus.” Tyler’s cheeks go pink. “I didn’t want you to think I was just doing it because you were pregnant. Because that’s not why. I want to marry you because I love you with all my heart. And I know I want to spend my life with you.”

Tears prick at my eyes. “You want me to marry you?”

I’ve hoped. Even toyed with asking him about it myself. But deep down, there’s always been a tiny sliver of fear that Tyler didn’t want to take that final step with me.

“I do.” His gaze burns into mine. “I love you, Melissa. You’re the best mom, the best person, the best everything…” Tears shine in his eyes. “You’re everything to me. And I would be so grateful, so honored, if you’d agree to become my wife.”

“Tyler.” My voice shakes with the effort of holding back my tears. “I can’t think of a word that says how much I love you. It’s so much, I’m not sure there are words for it. But I love you. And—” A tiny sob escapes. “I would love to marry you.”

“Mel.” With a shaking hand, he takes the ring from the box and slides it onto my finger. “So it’s a yes? You’ll marry me?”

“It’s a yes.” I lean in to kiss him, tasting tears on my lips. “It’s absolutely yes. But,” I add as a thought strikes me. “There is one thing.”

“One thing?”

“Yes.” I kiss Tyler again. “I want to take your name. So I’ll be Melissa McNamara. Would that be okay with you?”

An enormous smile brightens his features. “Of course it would, baby. I would love that. So much.” Then he asks, “Can I tell everyone? I really want⁠—”

I beam at him. “Yes. I want them to know, too.”

Tyler stands and gently tugs me up along with him. Then he raises his voice as he calls out, “She said yes! Mel’s going to be my wife!”

Amid the resulting applause and chorus of congratulations, Tyler leans down to kiss me again. “My future wife,” he says. “My everything.”

My tears finally escape, trickling down my cheeks. But they’re not ones of sadness. They’re ones of joy.

Once upon a time, I didn’t think I deserved a happy ending.

But as I look into the eyes of the man who saved me in so many ways, I know I’ve found mine.

And I do deserve it.

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