“Exactly like you.” My response is immediate, unguarded. “Heather, I want a life with you. Here, in Lawson Ridge, where every corner reminds me of a memory we've yet to make. I want the mundane and the magical, as long as it's with you.”
“Wait, what are you saying?”
“I’m moving to Lawson Ridge permanently. Hopefully you’ll agree to move in with me, because I bought a house yesterday. It’s beautiful and perfect for when we start our family. I’ll stay working at the hospital, but my schedule will be more consistent.”
“Lincoln,” she whispers, her voice a tender caress against the gravity of our silence, “You do not buy a house for us?”
“I definitely did and I know you are going to love it.”
I reach into my pocket, feeling the small box that has become the heaviest thing I’ve ever carried. Its mere presence is a promise, an anchor, a leap of faith. Drawing it out, I watch hereyes widen just before I click it open to reveal the ring - a band of gleaming metal cradling a stone that catches the light and splinters it into a thousand hopeful shards.
“Heather Sullivan,” I begin, my throat tight with the enormity of the moment. “I’ve walked through life believing that dedication to my work was the measure of my worth. But that was before you reminded me that love is the truest path. I'm asking, no, I'm hoping, that you'll let me walk that path with you. Will you marry me?”
Heather leans forward, her eyes radiant with the kind of joy that comes from finding the missing piece of one's soul.
“Lincoln,” she says, her voice steady despite the tears that now spill freely down her cheeks. “There's nothing I want more than to face all the days, both mundane and magical, with you.”
“Is that a yes?”
“Absolutely yes,” she laughs, the sound mingling with the quiet sobs of happiness that fills the room as we step together into a future that suddenly seemed bright with possibility.
“Can you imagine it?” I ask, twirling a lock of her hair around my finger. “A fall wedding right here in Lawson Ridge, with the leaves turning and the whole town coming together.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Heather
This man is going to be the death of me. Not only are we engaged, but he bought me a fucking house. A house that I haven’t even seen, but already know I’m going to love it. I’ll love anything where I get to spend 100% of my time with the man of my absolute dreams.
As I pack up my belongings, my mind races with excitement and a touch of anxiety. What if the house isn't what I imagined? What if it's too big, too small, or just... not right? But then I remember his smile when he told me about it, the twinkle in his eye as he described the backyard perfect for barbecues and the cozy reading nook by the bay window.
I shake my head, grinning to myself. This man, with his grand gestures and his heart of gold, never ceases to amaze me. It's not just about the house, it's about the life we're building together. Every shared moment, every inside joke, every quiet night curled up on the couch - that's what makes a home.
My phone buzzes with a text from him: “Can't wait to carry you over the threshold, my love. See you soon!” I feel my cheeks flush and my heart skip a beat. Yes, this man might be the death of me, but what a sweet way to go.
Twenty minutes later, I can hardly contain my excitement as we drive up the winding country road. Lincoln keeps glancing over at me, a mischievous glint in his eye. He's clearly enjoying keeping me in suspense.
“Almost there,” he says, reaching over to squeeze my hand.
My heart races as we round a bend and I catch my first glimpse of our new home. It's a charming house nestled among towering oak trees, with a red door and window boxes overflowing with bright flowers.
“Oh,” I breathe. “It's perfect.”
He grins, clearly pleased with himself. “Wait until you see inside.”
We pull into the gravel driveway and I'm out of the car before he even cuts the engine. I'm bouncing on my toes as he joins me, dangling a set of keys.
“Ready?” he asks.
I nod eagerly and he unlocks the door with a flourish. “Welcome home, my love.”
I step inside and gasp. The interior is even more magical than I imagined - exposed wooden beams, a cozy fireplace, and big windows letting in streams of sunlight. I wander from room to room in a daze of joy and disbelief. This is ours. Our home. Our future.
When I make my way back to Lincoln, there are tears in my eyes. He wraps his arms around me and I melt into his embrace.
“Thank you,” I whisper. “I can't believe you did all this.”
He kisses the top of my head. “Anything for you, sweetheart. Always.”
