Page 251
Sage’s breath caught as she watched him step back and reach into his pocket.
What is he—
In the golden lantern light and silver moonlight, Cal Meridian slowly lowered himself to one knee. The breathtaking valley stretched behind him, stars and moon blazing overhead. His eyes shone bright, voice thick with emotion as he spoke clearly and slowly.
“Sage Thompson. Even after the stars above fade, after the world is just an echo, if God allows, I will love you forever. You…” His voice caught. “You and no other.”
Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God.
He brought his hand up. A small, golden wedding band rested in his palm—old, beautifully worn, shining like it had just been polished with love.
“Sage Thompson, would you… will you marry me, sweetheart? Please?”
Sage covered her mouth, unable to speak. Tears streamed down her face as she nodded frantically.
Yes! Yes! Say yes!!
Cal smiled softly and placed the ring in her trembling hands. In the warm lantern light she read the delicate inscription inside:
To Catherine. From Tomas.
Her eyes flew up to his, shocked.
“My daddy gave it to my mother when they got married after high school,” he said quietly. “It belonged to his mother, and her mother before that, and a few more before them.”
Sage’s hands shook so badly she could barely hold it. I can’t… he… his mom’s ring! Fresh tears fell as she looked into his eyes, trying to pour every ounce of love she felt into her gaze. He helped her put I on her ring finger next to the black rose ring he got her for Christmas.
“Yes, Cal. Yes… I… yes… forever,” she finally managed, collapsing into his strong arms. Those large, powerful arms that had held and protected her for what felt like eternity. Arms God had apparently made just for her.
Sage Meridian.
The thought hit her and she laughed through her tears—pure, radiant joy bubbling up as he lifted her off the ground.
“I love you! I’m sorry, Cal, I’m trying to but I can’t talk, baby,” she gasped against his ear as he stood there holding her like she weighed nothing.
She felt him smile—that gentle, steady smile she’d fallen in love with. When she pulled back to look at him, the golden lantern light seemed to glow from his broad shoulders, bathing her in warmth, reminding her of that fever-dream she’d had the first night she was sick. The serious bear with the golden heart who had nursed her back to life.
Through her tears she leaned in and kissed him—gentle at first, then deeper, more passionate, their mouths moving slow and reverent under the endless stars. The cold night air wrapped around them, but between their bodies there was only heat and forever.
They stayed like that for a long time, neither willing, or able to let go.
CAL
The food was barely warm but somehow still tasted like heaven. Inside the pavilion the fire crackled steadily while two quiet battery-powered space heaters kept them toasty against the sharp mountain cold. Golden lantern light danced across their faces as they ate, stealing glances and smiling like idiots the whole time.
Cal was completely undone—in the best possible way.
She said yes. Oh thank You, Lord… she said yes.
Sage watched him with soft, knowing eyes and licked the last bit of cinnamon-apple pie from her fork. “Did you really think I was going to say no?”
Cal blushed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Well, I mean, I was so nervous, honey. I’ve been thinking about this since… I just wanted everything to be perfect for you and—”
Sage squeezed his hand, her lips still swollen and shiny from their earlier kisses. “It was, Daddy. It was perfect. I can’t believe how perfect.”
They smiled at each other again, stupid and glowing. Then she leaned back with a contented sigh, rubbing her full belly. “Lord, I’m so stuffed. I feel like I’m pregnant.”
Cal froze.
