The object Cassandra withdrew from her leather bag was a thick, faded blue envelope tied with a frayed ribbon.

Two months later, spring had begun to thaw the icy landscape of Denver.

The corporate storm had settled. Calder Investments was facing federal anti-trust lawsuits, Julian Vance was awaiting sentencing for multiple felony charges, and Prescott Technologies had successfully launched the Maya Prescott Foundation—delivering free, life-saving neonatal equipment to underfunded hospitals across the country.

My life, however, had completely shifted focus.

I cut my work hours in half, promoting Sarah Lin to Chief Operating Officer to manage day-to-day operations. For the first time in my life, my calendar was filled not with investor meetings, but with parent-teacher conferences, soccer practice, and family dinners.

One sunny Saturday afternoon, I stood in the backyard of Prescott Manor, watching Luke and Violet run through the melting snow patches with our new golden retriever puppy, Barnaby.

Cassandra came out onto the porch, carrying two cups of hot chocolate. She wore a thick knit sweater, her hair glowing in the afternoon sunlight.

"You're staring again," she teased, handing me a mug.

"I can't help it," I said, leaning down to kiss her cheek softly. "I'm still trying to convince myself this isn't a dream."

She rested her head against my shoulder, watching the kids laugh as the puppy chased its own tail. "It's real, Damon. We made it."

"Not quite yet," I murmured.

She looked up at me, confused. "What do you mean?"

I set my mug down on the porch railing. My heart was pounding faster than it ever had during a billion-dollar closing deal. I reached into my coat pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box.

Cassandra froze, her breath catching in her throat.

I dropped down onto one knee right there on the snow-dusted grass.

"Cassandra Hayes," I began, my voice rich with deep emotion. "Three years ago, I let my ambition blind me to what truly mattered. I lost the love of my life and missed the beginning of my children's lives. But you gave me a second chance. You showed me what it truly means to be a man, a father, and a partner."

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she covered her mouth with both hands.

"I spent my whole life building an empire," I said, opening the box to reveal a stunning emerald-cut diamond ring that sparkled in the sunlight. "But none of it means anything without you. Will you marry me, Cassandra? Will you let me spend the rest of my life loving you and our children?"

Luke and Violet stopped playing and ran over, sensing the importance of the moment.

"Say yes, Mama!" Luke shouted, jumping up and down.

"Say yes!" Violet echoed, clapping her hands.

Cassandra laughed through her tears, dropping down to her knees in front of me and throwing her arms around my neck.