Page 69 of Never To Forever
“I was thinking,” I start, turning to share my thoughts, but the words catch in my throat.
Garrett isn’t beside me anymore. He’s behind me, kneeling on one knee.
I can’t move. Time seems to slow, and the world narrows to the sight of him looking up at me, his eyes filled with love and a hint of nervousness. In his hand, he holds a small ring box. The light catches the delicate band, making it shimmer.
“Marie,” he begins, his voice steady despite the weight of the moment. “I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember, and I know I’ve been slow to acknowledge it, to show it, and to say it the way I should have. Every second with you, though—every dream we’ve shared, every challenge we’ve faced—it’s made me certain of one thing.”
He pauses, taking a deep breath, and I realize I’ve stopped breathing altogether.
“I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to be the one you lean on, the one who makes you laugh, the one who stands beside you through everything. I want to be your husband, and I want us to be a family in every way.”
Tears blur my vision as his words wash over me, filling every corner of my heart.
“Marie,” he says softly, opening the box to reveal the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen, “will you marry me?”
“Yes.” The word escapes my lips before I can even think. My voice trembles, but there’s no hesitation in my answer. “Yes, Garrett. I will absolutely marry you.”
His face breaks into a smile—one of those rare, unguarded smiles that makes my knees feel weak. He takes my hand gently, slipping the ring onto my finger. It fits perfectly.
Standing, he pulls me into his arms, holding me tightly.
“I love you,” I whisper against his chest, my voice muffled.
“I love you too,” he murmurs, pressing a kiss to the top of my head.
As we stand there, wrapped in each other’s arms, the bookstore fades into the background. All I can feel is the overwhelming sense of gratitude and excitement for what’s to come—for our child, our marriage, and the life we’ll build together.
We’ve come so far, overcome so many misunderstandings and so much hurt, but it’s all brought us to this moment. I like to imagine Leila is looking down on us, smiling, happy that we are together and so in love…and proud of Garrett for keeping his promise in the end.
