Page 70 of All She Ever Wanted Was a Real One
“You enjoy your Christmas?”
I nodded. “Of course. You know I love how the Grays get down on the holidays.”
“I have one more gift for you,” he announced, his voice softer than usual.
One curious brow lifted. “What is it?”
“Open it and find out,” he encouraged, revealing a small gift bag from behind his back and handing it to me.
I opened it slowly, anticipating what was inside. My eyes landed on the white Pandora box, and a slow smile stretched across my face, instantly remembering the moon charm he’d gifted me the year before. I opened it to find a two-tone home-and-heart charm that read, ‘With you, I’m home.’
By the time I looked up from it to thank him, he’d dropped down to one knee with a velvet ring box clutched in his hand. He paused, letting the moment breathe before opening it. Uponseeing the diamond ring nestled inside, my eyes broadcast surprise, and my chest rose in pursuit of air.
“Alexis Rosewood, this past year with you has been the best gift I could’ve ever asked for. I got you that charm to remind you that you’ll always be home to me. In a world that thrives on chaos and instability, your aura lifts me up. You are my calm, my solid foundation, and the stillness that brings my soul the kind of peace I never knew existed until you became mine. I promise that you’ll never want for anything as long as I’m within reach of you. I knew you would be my wife a long time ago. And now, I’m here to make things official. Will you marry me?” he proposed, his deep voice warm and steady.
I realized I’d heard some of those words before. They were the words he’d said to me when he was helping me with my vows. He’d meant them then and meant them now. I looked up at Oak, and my breath hitched as my hands clasped over my mouth. Unable to speak, let alone breathe, all I could do was nod my answer. Hearing Liv scream in the background drew me back to the present. That was when I noticed his family standing in the corner of the kitchen watching us with bated breath.
Oak slid the ring on my finger as tears spilled down my cheeks. Everything about the moment felt as natural as breathing, although my lungs were still frozen. He hoisted himself to his feet before taking me into his arms. I tossed my arms around his neck and planted a kiss against his lips.
“I love you so much,” I declared.
“I love you too.”
I always knew that one day I’d marry the right man—the one who helped me heal and made me feel safe. Oak wasn’t just my man; he was my home, my heart, and my safe place to land. All I ever wanted was a real one, and with Oak by my side, there was no doubt in my mind that I’d finally gotten one.
THE END
