“About how we started. All those years of bad timing, missed opportunities, not being at the same place at the same time.” His hands found her waist. “Like those boys, we needed the right moment, the right push, to build something real.”
“Bear—”
“Let me finish.” He reached into his pocket, and Joy’s breath caught as he pulled out a small velvet box. “I’ve loved you since you were eight years old and skinned your knee falling off your bike. I’ve loved you through every phase, every change, every triumph and setback. I love the woman you’ve become—strong enough to face your fears, brave enough to chase your dreams, generous enough to give others the chances they need.”
He dropped to one knee, and Joy’s hands flew to her mouth.
“Joy Davis, will you marry me?”
The ring nestled in the box caught the sunlight—a stunning solitaire surrounded by smaller stones that sparkled like stars.
“Yes,” she breathed, then louder, “Yes!”
Bear slipped the ring onto her finger, then stood and swept her into his arms. The kiss was tender and passionate, full of promises and shared dreams.
Applause erupted behind them. They turned to find they’d drawn an audience—the boys had noticed and alerted everyone. The entire community stood watching, cheering their approval.
“About damn time!” Hudson called out.
“I knew it!” Mrs. Fuller declared triumphantly. “Didn’t I tell you all they’d be engaged before summer?”
Aaron approached, grinning. “Guess we should add wedding planning to our community service hours, huh?”
Bear laughed, keeping Joy tucked against his side. “Don’t push your luck, kid.”
The celebration shifted seamlessly from obstacle course opening to impromptu engagement party. Joy found herself passed from hug to hug, accepting congratulations from what felt like every resident of Oak Creek.
“I call dibs on making the wedding cake!” Ella O’Conner, owner of Fancy Pants bakery announced.
Charlie and Finn rushed up to them. Charlie grabbed Joy and pulled her close.
“Welcome to the family, officially,” she whispered. “Though you’ve been ours in every way that matters for years.”
Finn clapped Bear on the shoulder. “Took you long enough, son.”
“Had to wait for the right moment,” Bear replied, his arm secure around Joy’s waist.
“The right moment was probably years ago,” Lincoln observed with his characteristic bluntness. “But statistically, your chances of marital success are higher now that you’ve both reached full emotional maturity.”
“Thanks, Lincoln,” Bear said dryly. “That’s very romantic.”
As the afternoon wore on, Joy found herself overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support. This community that had watched her grow up, that had rallied around her during her darkest moments, now celebrated her happiness with unbridled enthusiasm.
She stood by her truck later, watching the sun set over the obstacle course. Bear joined her, wrapping his arms around her from behind.
“Happy?” he murmured against her hair.
“Beyond happy.” She turned in his embrace. “You know what strikes me most about today?”
“What’s that?”
“How it all connects. Those boys stealing materials led to this course. The course brought the community together. That togetherness created the perfect moment for you to propose. It’s like everything happened exactly as it should.”
Bear smiled. “Even the hard parts?”
“Especially those.” Joy touched his cheek. “Every challenge, every setback, every moment of doubt—they all led us here. To this moment. To us.”
“No regrets?”
