Chapter 9 - THE QUESTION AT THE FOUNTAIN
Two weeks later.
The public scandal had cleared, leaving Rowan Enterprises stronger and more respected than ever before. Julianna Vance was facing multiple federal charges of attempted wire fraud and corporate sabotage, while her father resigned from the board in disgrace.
It was a warm Saturday afternoon at Oakridge Adventure Park.
The park was buzzing with music, laughter, and the smell of sweet funnel cake.
Near the grand double-decker carousel, sitting on the exact same wooden bench near the fountain where they had sat three months ago, were Leah and Calder.
A few yards away, Maya and Ember were running through the water fountains, wearing matching sundresses, laughing hysterically as they chased bubbles.
Leah took a sip of her iced coffee, leaning back against the bench, a soft, profound sense of peace enveloping her heart.
"You know," Leah said softly, looking over at the black iron fence near the entrance plaza. "Sometimes I still look at that fence and remember how terrifying it felt when Vivian Pike told me we didn't belong here."
Calder turned his head, looking at her. His gray eyes were filled with a deep, unyielding warmth.
"You always belonged, Leah," Calder said gently. "Some people just lack the vision to see gold when it's standing right in front of them."
Calder reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small, velvet-lined box.
Leah’s breath caught in her throat. Her eyes widened as Calder slid off the bench, dropping down onto one knee right on the pavement before her.
"Calder..." Leah whispered, tears immediately welling in her eyes.
"Leah," Calder began, his deep voice thick with emotion. "Three months ago, my life was cold, dark, and empty. I had all the wealth in the world, but my heart was locked behind a high wall. Then a little girl in a faded blue dress with ribbons on her shoes walked up to a fence, and brought you into my life."
He opened the velvet box, revealing a flawless, five-carat diamond ring that caught the afternoon sunlight like a blinding star.
"You saved my daughter," Calder choked out softly. "And you saved me. You built a home out of my house, and you showed me what true strength, love, and grace look like. I don't want to spend another day of my life without you by my side."
May you like
He looked into her eyes, his hands trembling slightly.
"Leah Mercer... will you marry me?"
