Chapter 9 - The Promise
One year after that terrifying night in the kitchen, Nathan planned a surprise.
It was a crisp autumn evening. The leaves on the massive oak trees lining the estate driveway had turned brilliant shades of gold and crimson.
Nathan blindfolded Grace gently with a silk scarf, leading her by the hand out through the French doors of the parlor and down into the private rose garden.
“Nathan, what are you up to?” Grace laughed, stumbling slightly over her heels before he caught her securely in his arms.
“Just trust me,” he whispered against her ear.
A few moments later, he stopped moving. She heard the soft rustle of clothing as he knelt on one knee.
The silk scarf slipped from her eyes.
Grace gasped. The entire rose garden was illuminated by hundreds of fairy lights woven through the branches. In the center of the lawn stood Lily, wearing a little flower crown, holding a velvet ring box with both hands.
Nathan looked up at Grace, his eyes shining with tears and unshakeable devotion.
“Five years ago, I lost the woman I loved because of lies, greed, and cowardice,” Nathan’s voice was steady, carrying clearly across the quiet evening air. “For five years, I lived a life built on a foundation that wasn't real. But you... you are the most real, beautiful, and courageous part of my existence.”
He reached out, taking the velvet box from Lily, who nodded solemnly as if officiating the entire event herself.
“Grace Bennett,” Nathan said, opening the box to reveal a breathtaking diamond ring that caught the starlight. “You saved me from a life in the dark. Will you give me the honor of spending the rest of my life making sure you never have to fight alone again? Will you marry me?”
Grace’s hands flew to her mouth, tears spilling over her lashes as a radiant smile broke across her face.
May you like
“Yes,” she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. “Yes, a million times yes.”
Nathan slid the ring onto her finger, standing up to pull her into a passionate, breathtaking kiss as Lily cheered loudly and threw a handful of rose petals over their heads.
