Page 93 of Forbidden Whispers

They were almost back to the group when Noah stopped, turning her to face the horizon and wrapping his arms around her. Maggie leaned back against him and sighed with contentment as they soaked up the view.

The sky was a rich canvas of color, awash with hues of rose and tangerine, while deep amethyst clouds floated at the horizon. The sun’s fading light danced on the water’s surface, casting a glittering path that stretched into the distance. A soft breeze drifted over them, mingling the tang of the lake with the sweet scent of nearby blooming night jasmine, reminding Maggie of that first night when Noah had sung to her, and they’d confessed their love for each other.

The sun dipped lower and lower. When it was just about to touch the horizon, on impulse, she spun around in the circle of his arms and rising up on her toes, kissed him soft, slow and sweet.

“What was that for?” Noah whispered against her lips.

“I’m just so happy,” Maggie said. “I love you so much.”

He was quiet in response, and Maggie pulled back to look at him. He wore an enigmatic expression on his face.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

Instead of responding, Noah turned his head and gave a whistle.

Boon was suddenly bounding across the sand toward them. He was quivering with excitement, his pink tongue lolling.

“Boon, no, boy! You’re not allowed on the beach!” Maggie cried.

“He’s got special dispensation,” Jake called out. Maggie glanced over and saw that their initial small group had grown in size. In fact, it had swelled considerably. She now saw J.P., Tilly, Rita, George, Hugo, Ani, Jaime, Jack, Gretchen, and Margot had joined them. And they were all walking toward the shoreline where she and Noah stood.

Her gaze swept the group in confusion then returned to Noah. “What’s going on?” she said.

He cleared his throat. “Boon and I have a question for you?” he said. He ordered the wriggling dog to sit down beside him, and then dropped to one knee right there on the sand. It was only then that Maggie noticed a new blue kerchief bunched up around Boon’s neck.

She watched in shock as Noah smoothed the kerchief out with trembling fingers. The words on it read, “Mommy, will you marry my Daddy?”

Maggie gasped and her heart skipped a beat as Noah pulled out a small, velvet ring box. He pried it open to reveal a gorgeous marquis diamond that glittered in the glowing light of the sunset.

“Maggie Milena,” he said, his eyes locking with hers. “I love you. Will you marry me?

She felt as if her heart was going to pound its way out of her chest as she exclaimed, “Yes, yes! A thousand times, yes!”

Noah broke into a wide grin, his face lit with joy as he leaped to his feet. Maggie threw her arms around his neck, kissing him all over his face as he lifted her off the ground. The rest of the group erupted into cheers, and soon they were surrounded by barking dogs, glowing smiles, and a symphony of enthusiastic well wishes.

Amidst the hubbub, Noah leaned close and whispered into her ear, “Maggie Milena, you are and always will be my dream girl. Thank you for making my dream come true.

Then she whispered back, “And thank you, Noah Riley. For finally giving me my very own happy ending.”

And they all lived happily ever after.

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