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“It looks good on you,” I say.
Amber giggles, not entirely understanding the joke, but my cheeks flush at the memory.
Jake dips his hand into his pocket and pulls out a small, handcrafted ring made of copper pipe. He holds it out to me, a nervous smile on his face.
“I made this for you,” he explains softly. “As a symbol of my love and commitment.”
“Jake, it's beautiful. I love it.”
Jake's smile widens, and he reaches into his pocket again. “I'm glad you like it, but I have something else for you, too.”
Inside the box is a stunning diamond ring. The center stone is flanked by two smaller diamonds on either side. The delicate rose gold band sparkles under the lights twinkling overhead.
“Marry me. Say yes and officially become part of our family?”
Tears spring to my eyes. I wipe them away, not wanting to miss a single moment.
Amber bounces on her toes, her eyes wide with excitement. “Say yes, Mommy! Please say yes!”
I nod, the word “yes” forming on my lips, but no sound escapes. It doesn't matter. Jake understands. He always does.
Jake slips the ring onto my finger, the cool metal a promise of forever. It's a perfect fit.
Amber cheers, her excited claps filling the air as she runs to join us.
“We're getting married!” Jake exclaims, lifting Amber and spinning her around. She squeals with delight, her laughter filling the room.
I join in their celebration, my heart overflowing with love and joy. Jake sets Amber down and pulls me close, planting a soft kiss on my lips.
“I love you so much,” he murmurs against my skin. “Three of you,” he says, making a point of caressing my bump.
“I love you, too,” I whisper.
Amber tugs on Jake's hand. “Can we have a dance party to celebrate?”
“Great idea.” Jake reaches for his phone to pull up a playlist.
As the first notes of my favorite Soul Obsession song fill the room, Jake clasps my hand and spins me. Amber dances around us, her smile brighter than the sun as we sing at the top of our voices.
The rest of the evening passes in a blur of laughter, tears, and love. We enjoy the meal, savoring each moment, each shared glance, and each gentle touch. It's a celebration of our love and the family we're creating.
When it's time to tuck Amber into bed, she looks up at me with sleepy eyes and a content smile.
“I love you,” she murmurs, touching my cheek. “You're the best. I'm so happy you're going to marry Daddy. We're going to be a real family now.”
I kiss her forehead. “Sweet girl, we already are a family. Your daddy and I love you more than anything, and nothing will ever change that.”
Amber's grin grows wider, and she nestles further into her pillow. “I'll have a new baby brother or sister soon, and we're going to live happily ever after, like in the fairy tales.”
I brush a stray curl from her face. “You're right, my love. Happily ever after, forever and always.”
Later, as I slip into bed beside Jake, his arms automatically wrap around me. “I can't imagine my life without you. I love waking up to your beautiful face every morning and falling asleep with you in my arms every night. I want to spend the rest of my days loving, cherishing, and building a life and family with you.”
As I lay here, Jake's heartbeat steady beneath my ear, our child growing inside me, I have everything I need.
I was broken, guarded, and afraid to let anyone in when I first came to this small town.
But Jake and Amber, with their unwavering love and support, helped me heal and open my heart.
I've found a true sense of home, of belonging. This is my family, my future, and I couldn't be happier.
