Chapter 8 - The Yellow Garden
Spring arrived in Maine with a burst of bright green hills, blooming wildflowers, and warm afternoon sunlight.
The toddlers were two and a half years old now, full of endless energy, running across the grass in their tiny yellow rain boots. Leo was obsessed with chasing butterflies, Maya was busy collecting smooth river stones, and Chloe followed Graham around the yard like a little shadow, holding a plastic toy shovel while he worked on the garden beds.
Over the past six months, Graham had transformed five acres of the property into a massive community garden, growing organic vegetables and sunflowers that were donated every week to local food banks in Portland.
I sat on the porch steps, watching Graham teach Chloe how to plant a sunflower seed in the dark, rich soil.
"Put it right in the middle, sweetie," Graham said gently, guiding her tiny hand into the soil. "Then cover it up with dirt like a warm blanket."
"Night-night, seed!" Chloe giggled, patting the dirt with her palm.
Graham laughed—a loud, clear, joyful sound that echoed across the sunny field. He picked Chloe up, lifting her high into the air as she squealed with delight, before setting her down to run after her brother and sister.
He wiped his brow with the back of his arm, leaving a streak of dark soil across his forehead, and walked over to the porch steps, sitting down beside me.
"You have dirt on your face, Mr. CEO," I teased, reaching up with my thumb to wipe it away.
Graham smiled, leaning into my touch. "I prefer 'Head Gardener' these days, if it's all the same to you."
"The board of directors misses you," I noted, leaning my head against his shoulder. "Eleanor said two major investors asked if you would ever consider returning as executive chairman."
"Tell them I'm busy," Graham replied without a second's hesitation, wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling me close. "I have three very demanding clients who require my full-time attention."
We watched the kids play for a long, peaceful moment. The air smelled of damp earth, sweet pine, and spring flowers.
"Emily," Graham said softly, his tone turning serious.
I looked up at him. "Yes?"
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, worn wooden box. It wasn't a velvet designer box from a luxury jeweler in Boston. It was a simple hand-carved box made of polished pine wood, crafted by his own hands in the barn workshop.
He opened it.
Inside lay a delicate gold ring set with a bright, sparkling yellow sapphire, surrounded by three tiny round diamonds.
"A yellow sapphire?" I whispered, tears immediately springing to my eyes.
"Because you taught me that life needs a little joy, Emily," Graham said, his voice trembling with intense emotion as he slid down onto one knee on the wooden porch steps. "Eighteen months ago, I was a blind, foolish man who thought he could buy happiness. You showed me what real love looks like. You gave me three beautiful children who saved my soul."
He looked up at me, his blue-gray eyes shining with unconditional love and devotion.
"I know I don't deserve you," Graham whispered. "I know I can never undo the pain I caused you. But if you will have me... I want to be your husband. I want to build a life with you that no money in the world could ever replace."
Maya, Leo, and Chloe noticed their father on his knee and came tumbling over, surrounding us on the porch steps, tugging at Graham's flannel shirt.
"Papa on knee!" Leo cheered, clapping his hands.
"Mama cry?" Maya asked, looking up at me with concern.
I wiped a tear from my cheek and smiled down at my daughter. "No, sweetie. Mama is happy."
I looked back at Graham, reaching out my hand to him.
May you like
"Yes, Graham," I whispered. "Yes."
Graham let out a joyous laugh, slipping the yellow sapphire ring onto my finger before pulling me and all three toddlers into a massive, warm, chaotic group hug right there on the sunny porch steps.
