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“Anya,” he begins, his voice serious yet tender. “I’ve been through a lot, seen a lot, but nothing compares to what I feel for you. We have two beautiful daughters and more happiness than I ever thought possible, but I realized there’s something missing.”
My heart flutters, tears welling up in my eyes as I realize where this is going.
“I want to spend the rest of my life with you,” he continues, dropping to one knee and pulling out a small velvet box. “Will you marry me?”
I gasp, my hands flying to cover my mouth in shock and joy. Tears spill on my cheeks as I nod vigorously, unable to form any words. Brandon's eyes are full of hope and love as he opens the box to reveal a simple yet stunning diamond ring.
“Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!” I finally manage to choke out, my voice trembling with emotion.
Brandon slides the ring onto my finger, his touch is warm. The world around us fades away as our lips meet, and all I can feel is the warmth of his love enveloping me.
When we finally pull apart, I look up at him, my heart full. “I love you so much, Brandon.”
He smiles, resting his forehead against mine. “I love you too, Anya. Forever.”
“Forever,” I repeat with a smile on my face.
This moment feels divine. I wish I could frame it so I’d never forget how much joy I’m feeling right now. Brandon and I made it after everything we’ve been through. And I honestly wouldn’t trade what we share for anything else.
He holds a hand out to me. “Are you ready to return to the party and announce the news?”
I take his hand and nod. “Do you think everyone will be happy for us?” I ask anxiously.
“They will,” he says softly, squeezing my hand. “They’re our family. They’ll want nothing but for us to be happy.”
Gianna and Joe are standing under a tree on the path that leads to the main square.
Gianna’s eyes crinkle with mischief as she winks at me, then her gaze skitters down to the diamond on my finger and pauses there. “Is that an engagement ring?”
I grin, holding out my hand for her to see. “Yes. Brandon just proposed to me.”
Gianna’s eyes are wide with surprise. “And it’s a diamond. It’s so beautiful.” She rushes to me and pulls me into a tight hug. “Congratulations on your engagement, girl. I’m so happy for you.”
“Did someone just say engagement?” Camilla asks as she joins us, holding Kira in one hand.
Alessia, Spencer and James follow behind her.
Gianna answers before I can. “Not just an engagement. He bought her a beautiful diamond. I’m so happy for them.”
The emotion that fills Camilla’s eyes is nothing short of motherly warmth and pride. Her husband’s eyes look much the same.
Joe walks to Brandon and pats his back. “Congratulations on your engagement, buddy.”
“Thank you,” Brandon says.
“I want to get engaged too,” Alessa squeals, her little voice filled with excitement.
Brandon and I both burst into laughter, the joy of the moment spilling over as our loved ones gather around us, offering their congratulations and wishes. Camilla envelops us in a warm embrace, tears glistening in her eyes. “I always knew you two would make it. Congratulations.”
“Thank you,” I reply, my eyes watering. I never believed happy tears were an actual thing until this exact moment. It still feels like a dream.
After the initial excitement settles down and we rejoin the party, Brandon grabs a microphone and announces our engagement to the rest of the town. The crowd erupts into cheers and applause.
The music plays on, the lights twinkle above us, and I can't help but feel that this moment, right here with Brandon by my side, is where I'm truly meant to be.
And as I look around at the smiling faces of those we hold dear, and glance at the ring on my finger, sparkling under the starlit sky, I know that no matter what the future holds, we’ll face it together, as a family.
CHAPTER 22
