Chapter 9 - A Proposal by the Water
That evening, after the crowds had left the sanctuary, Julian took me to the private pier at the edge of the estate.
The sun was setting over Lake Michigan, painting the sky in deep shades of gold, purple, and crimson. A gentle breeze rustled the water, and the quiet whimper of the lake waves was the only sound around us.
Buster sat patiently near the edge of the wooden dock, watching the gulls.
Julian took my hands, turning me to face him. His dark eyes were luminous under the twilight sky.
“Three years ago, I thought my life was defined by dark rooms, bloodlines, and enemies,” Julian said, his voice quiet and deeply moving. “I didn't believe in love. I believed in control.”
He reached into his pocket and dropped to one knee on the wooden planks.
My hands flew to my mouth as tears filled my eyes.
Julian pulled out a simple, breathtaking ring—a flawless oval-cut diamond set in a vintage gold band that had belonged to his grandmother.
“Sadie Miller,” Julian said, looking up at me with every ounce of his soul in his eyes. “You protected what was mine when you had nothing. Now, I want to give you everything I am. Will you marry me?”
I couldn't speak for a second, tears overflowing and spilling down my cheeks. I dropped to my knees in front of him, wrapping my arms around his neck, burying my face in his shoulder.
May you like
“Yes,” I cried softly. “Yes, Julian! A thousand times yes!”
Buster let out a loud, joyous bark, trotting over to shove his wet nose right between us, making us both burst into breathless laughter. Julian slid the ring onto my finger, pulling me into a fierce, passionate kiss under the starlit sky.
