Chapter 9 - The Promise on the Porch
My breath caught in my throat.
Barnaby didn't drop to one knee with grand, dramatic flair. He simply held the open box between us, revealing a delicate rose-gold ring set with a brilliant, oval-cut diamond, flanked by two small, glowing sapphires representing Rowena and Beckett.
"Sable," Barnaby said, his voice deep, steady, and full of raw, honest emotion. "I loved you when you were in that wheelchair. I loved you when you were learning to walk again. And I love those two beautiful babies down on that blanket like they were my own blood."
He looked deep into my eyes, his thumbs gently wiping away the happy tears spilling over my lashes.
"I don't offer you a perfect life without challenges," Barnaby whispered. "But I promise you this: I will never walk away. I will never turn my back when things get hard. And I will stand between you and the world for as long as I live. Will you marry me?"
Down in the yard, Renlay looked up from the blanket, her face breaking into a huge, knowing smile as she clapped her hands softly.
Rowena and Beckett babbled happily, as if sensing the magic in the afternoon air.
I didn't hesitate for a single second.
I threw my arms around Barnaby’s neck, pulling his mouth down to mine in a passionate, joyful kiss that tasted like sweet cider and autumn wind.
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"Yes!" I sobbed happily against his lips. "Yes, Barnaby! A thousand times, yes!"
He slid the ring onto my finger, pulling me into a tight, lifting hug—and this time, my body felt weightless, strong, and entirely whole.
