I reach into my pocket, and pull out another gift.
Not a necklace this time, or another little animal, or any of the hundred other small gifts I’ve given to her.
A ring. Sparkling fire in the moonlight. Something so small, that means so much.
Chiara gasps.
I turn her so she’s sitting across my lap, and I gaze into her eyes. “Will you? Marry me? Be my wife?”
Her features collapse, and for just a second, fear spears through me.
But then Chiara gives me a watery smile. “Of course, Gav. I’ve been waiting for this. I absolutely want to be your wife.”
My heart bursts with happiness.
With a shaking hand, I slide the ring on her finger.
I dip my head and capture Chiara’s lips with a kiss, while Frederick and Cait cheer quietly.
All of it. All leading up to this.
I would do everything all over again to be here. With Chiara.
I break the kiss and whisper to her fiercely, “I love you. Always. And I can’t wait to make you my wife.”
Her eyes are damp, but shining with joy. “And have our happy ending?”
“Not a happy ending.” I brush a tear from her cheek. “A happy beginning.”
