Chapter 19 - The Proposal in the Park
On the first Saturday of November, the air was crisp enough to see our breath in little white clouds.
Nathan took Ella, Noah, and me to the park near Griggs Reservoir. The children ran ahead with Noah’s new golden retriever puppy—a clumsy, joyful ball of fur named Barnaby that Nathan had surprised them with for Noah’s eighth birthday.
The river was calm, reflecting the silver-grey sky and the bare branches of the willows along the bank.
We stopped at a wooden gazebo overlooking the water. Ella and Noah were throwing sticks for Barnaby on the grass thirty yards away, their joyful laughter echoing across the water.
Nathan stopped, turned to face me, and took both of my hands in his.
"A year ago, Claire," he began softly, his thumbs tracing the backs of my fingers, "I saw a woman who was carrying an impossible weight, completely alone, because she thought that was the only way she was allowed to exist."
My eyes welled with tears, but they were warm, sweet tears.
"You took that weight," he continued, "and you built a sanctuary out of it. You saved those children. You saved yourself. And every day I spend with you, I realize that my life was empty before you showed me what real courage looks like."
He dropped to one knee on the weathered wood of the gazebo floor. He pulled a small, velvet box from his coat pocket. Inside was a simple, stunning emerald-cut diamond ring, gleaming quietly in the autumn light.
"Claire Marie Vance, will you marry me? Will you let me share your home, protect your peace, and love you for the rest of our lives?"
Behind him, Ella and Noah had stopped running. They were standing side-by-side on the grass, holding Barnaby’s leash, their eyes wide as saucers, waiting.
I didn't hesitate. I didn't need to look at an itinerary. I didn't need anyone's permission.
"Yes," I breathed, pulling him up to his feet. "Yes, Nathan. A thousand times yes."
May you like
Across the lawn, Noah pumped his fist in the air with a wild "YES!" while Ella jumped up and down, Barnaby barking joyfully at their feet as they sprinted toward the gazebo to bury us in hugs.
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