Page 79 of The Payback Adventure
The easiest thing to say was no, but Elisabeth didn’t want to do that. She couldn’t.
“I have changed my mind. You’ve given me courage. Not going to lie, I’m still scared, but I choose to push through it,” she admitted. “I’ve been so afraid of being left again I’ve been relying on excuses to keep my heart safe. My parents, my ex-fiancé, the farm, the kids. It was easier that way. Until I met you.”
Henry grinned. “You could have told me.”
“Would you have believed me?”
“Probably not.”
It was her turn to smile. “Because of you, I opened myself up and became a better person. A better sister.”
“You’ve always been a great sister.”
“Thanks.” A warm glow flowed through her. “You made me want to live fully, to have fun, to accept help when I needed it, to take a chance on love. But—”
“There can’t be a but,” he interrupted.
“But you can’t plan everything like it’s one of youradventures. You can’t tell me what I should do,” she explained. “We need to be able to figure things out and make plans together. Okay, Cupid-fairy-godfather Henry?”
He laughed. “You forgot Daddy, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
“Good, because I would like to graduate from college. But playing the harp in an orchestra is an old dream.” A surprising peace settled around her heart. “My new dreams revolve around this guy named Henry, who I fell in love with. He seems to think he’s a berry farmer.”
“I am a berry farmer.” Mischief glinted in his eyes. “Or will be, once you say yes.”
“Yes?”
“To my marriage proposal.” Henry held her hand. “I love you, Elisabeth, and I want you to be my wife. Of course, I’d prefer to wait and propose properly with roses and a horse-drawn carriage and a tasteful yet large diamond ring set in platinum or gold. Your choice.”
“I love you, Henry. Not your money. I don’t need something fancy or expensive. A plain wedding band is enough.”
“I know, but humor me. It’ll make life a lot easier for both of us. I also think an engagement harp would be appropriate in addition to a ring.”
Elisabeth could barely breathe. She knew enough about Henry to know life would never be boring.
“You’re hyperventilating.” He squeezed her hand. “I take it that’s a good sign?”
All she could do was nod. She didn’t need any of thosethings he’d mentioned. Sure, they were thoughtful and romantic, but all she needed was Henry. The man she loved.
“Henry Davenport, berry farmer, husband, and father.” He grinned. “Kind of catchy, don’t you think?”
EPILOGUE
“Happy birthday, Daddy.” Caitlin reached up to give Henry a hug. “I hope you like your party.”
“I love my party.” It was April Fools’ Day—Henry’s birthday. The farm-themed party thrown by Sam, Abby, and Caitlin was nothing like the elaborate ones Henry used to throw for himself. This one was a million times better. Just like his life on the berry farm with his wife and the kids. He glanced at Elisabeth, who was passing out pieces of the cake Iris had baked in the shape of a barn to their guests. He kissed the top of Caitlin’s head, a mass of short blond ringlets that had grown back since her surgery. “Thank you, princess. And I love the picture you drew for me.”
She beamed. “I love you.”
With that, she ran off to join Fallon’s kids, Audra and Ryder, who were playing with Ruff, and being supervised byManny and Frank. Wes, Adam, Kieran, and Brett stood on the porch. Ryland, Mason, and Cade were inside with Sam, probably playing video games. Abby spoke with Paige and Sela, no doubt asking the women a million questions about their careers. Theresa, Brynn, Fallon, Iris, and Dash sat on a blanket in the front yard and played with Noelle and Brecken while Laurel, Cambria, and Rachael talked to Gabe.
Laurel already had lots of ideas for the interior of the house Henry and Elisabeth were having Gabe build. The current farmhouse was crowded enough, and once the baby arrived in November…
Henry grinned. He and Elisabeth were both surprised yet thrilled she’d gotten pregnant during their honeymoon. He loved holidays and thought they should marry on Valentine’s Day. They’d had a short engagement, but that was what Elisabeth had wanted. To be honest, he’d been ready to marry her on Thanksgiving or Christmas or New Year’s Eve, but he’d been patient, even though that hadn’t been easy for him.
The wedding had been an intimate soiree held at the church in Berry Patch, with a reception at a nearby winery. Gabe had escorted the bride down the aisle. Theresa, Abby, and Caitlin had been at Elisabeth’s side at the front of the altar. Sam, Brett, and Wes had stood next to Henry. Ruff had been the ring bearer. Adam, Kieran, and Ryland had been ushers. Dash and Mason had been the flower men and put on a show that had people laughing. Everything had been wonderfully and elegantly coordinated by The Posh Planner, a.k.a. Rachael Reese, Mason’s wife.
Henry smiled. Family, friends, the farm. He had so muchand wanted everyone to be as happy. He stared at Gabe, who’d caught Elisabeth’s bridal garter at their wedding reception. Henry hoped that Gabe and Fallon would connect since all the kids got along so well, but unfortunately, there’d been no spark between them. Still, there had to be a woman out there for Gabriel Logan.
