Page 96 of Incomplete
He reached into his pocket with a sexier-than-sin grin. “I could, but I think you might prefer this.”
Boden then slipped a cushion-cut canary yellow stone accented by a halo of brilliant diamonds onto my ring finger.
“Boden.” I inhaled in disbelief, staring slack-jawed at the most stunning engagement ring I’d ever seen.
“Do you like it?”
“I’m speechless. It’s exquisite.”
“Did you know yellow diamonds represent everlasting love and long-lasting happiness?”
“I didn’t.” I secretly loved how attentive he was to details. Further proof that the man didn’t do anything halfway. “It seriously couldn’t be any more perfect.”
“It’s you and me, Lakelyn, today, tomorrow, and forever.” He kissed me sweetly. “I do, however, have one more question for you though. Do you remember my reply when you asked me why I hadn’t built here yet?”
I nodded as my stomach fluttered. “You said the timing wasn’t right.”
“I did, and that it would be my forever home. Or so I hoped, because ultimately, it would depend on where my wife wanted to live. So what do you say, future Mrs. Miller, can you picture yourself living out here, building our dream home together?”
“Nothing would make me happier, but I have one condition.”
“Name it.”
I placed my hands over the center of his chest until I felt his heart’s steady beat beneath my palms. “I know what this property means to you and how special it is because of the memories it holds. It’s also the one place you feel the closest to your parents, so for that reason, before we break ground, I want to add one more memory. I want us to get married here first.”
“Just when I think you couldn’t be any more perfect, you surprise me at every turn, Lakelyn. But just so we are clear, this is only the beginning of a lifetime of memories we will make together.”
“I’m holding you to it.” I slid my hands up over his shoulders as we started to sway again to the music.
“I wouldn’t want it any other way, beautiful.”
Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d find my happily ever after in a little town called Sutton River. My life’s plan had been rewritten, and I was more than okay with my journey. For every breath, thought, and step, our stars aligned and opened our hearts to embrace love.
In life, it’s natural to want to question the why, but I have also learned to make peace with knowing some answers aren’t meant to be uncovered. In the end, all we can do is trust the journey and have faith that everything happens for a reason. For all the heartache and hurt, it’s important to never lose sight of the good times and the memories that warm our hearts along the way because, in the end, we all have a choice regarding what motivates us.
For me, I no longer felt incomplete.
I’d found someone who would stand with me through the darkness and dance with me in the rain if it made me happy.
Boden was proof of brighter days ahead.
He was my one true north.
Epilogue
Boden
“Folks, I’ll have you know that this right here,” Jaxon raised his beer over his head, “this drink will go down in history as the most expensive drink I’ve ever had the pleasure of lifting for a toast.”
His statement earned him a boisterous roar of laughter from Brooke, Luke, and the rest of my friends, who all gathered at McQuade’s bar to throw Lakelyn and me an impromptu engagement party.
“Why, might you ask that is? Well, to put it simply, I’m a gambling man. I bet against my big brother Jameson and all the infinite wisdom bestowed upon him because he was born a whole five minutes before me, and I lost.” I looked over toward Jameson, Jaxon’s twin, in time to see him slap a smile across his face as the attention turned to him while his brother continued. “It’s a rare occurrence, but that’s neither here nor there at the end of the day because, ladies and gentlemen, my wallet is a thousand dollars lighter, and I couldn’t be any happier about it.”
A collective chorus of gasps and laughter blended into a harmonious melody fanning out over the bar. I dropped my chin and took in the love of my life as she curled tighter into my side and beamed up at me, grinning ear to ear.
We’d lived in a blissful bubble for the past few days, but once my sister spread the word, I’d popped the question; there was no more hiding from the outside world. Thankfully, the attention would be short-lived since I had my own surprise up my sleeve, and it involved nothing but my fiancée and me and very little clothing for the next week, far away from our little town.
“Now, most of you know this already, but Lakelyn,” Jaxon turned and addressed her directly with a prideful smile, “I don’t just have two brothers; I’ve got three because that man of yours—he’s one of the best goddamn men that I know.” He pointed at me with his beer in hand. “Boden, your determination and drive to press on through the toughest of life’s obstacles has been inspiring to witness. Your morals and integrity when it comes to protecting those you care for are commendable. You’re loyal to a fault, and I’ve got nothing but pure respect for you, my man.” His voice faltered, a rarity if you knew Jaxon. “And now, to see you find your other half, it’s a day, admittedly, I wasn’t sure would come, but I’m glad as hell it did and that I’m fortunate enough to witness you experience all you so rightfully deserve.”
