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“And you as her dad, but she’s also a Decker,” I remind him. Even when she doesn’t have the last name, she’s a Decker, just like Caleb.
“No. We Deckers are lucky to have you three,” Gabe takes me into his arms and kisses me the same way he does all the time, as if it’s the first one and the last.
Epilogue
Ameline
As I step into the garden, I’m immediately hit by the sweet scent of lavender and roses. The twinkle lights overhead cast a warm glow that illuminates the vibrant colors of the flowers, making them almost surreal.
Gabe is under a gazebo, his figure barely visible from where I stand. My heart beats a little faster as I take in the sight of him, his broad shoulders silhouetted against the colorful backdrop.
I make my way along the curved path, careful not to crush any delicate petals underfoot. When I reach the gazebo steps, I pause to take in the view. Gabe is studying something on the ground intently. Thick brows knit in concentration. One hand buried in his trousers, the dark suit jacket straining slightly across his broad shoulders. He looks up then, blue eyes finding mine.
“Hey, stranger,” he rasps, a trace of nervousness in his smile. His voice sends delicious shivers skating down my arms. “You look so beautiful tonight.”
“You don’t look bad yourself, handsome,” I state.“This place . . . it’s like a secret garden.”
His lips curve into a grin, his eyes finally meeting mine. “I thought it was perfect for us.”
Then, in a move that catches my breath, he bends on one knee. He opens a red velvet box, and my eyes widen in surprise. I expect to see my old ring, but instead, there it is—a stunning princess-cut diamond surrounded by a halo of sapphires that catch the light, sparkling like stars in a night sky.
Gabe squeezes my hands gently. “Ameline, from the moment I met you, some part of me knew our lives were meant to intertwine. Unfortunately, back then we were too young and though we had love, we didn’t know much about commitment and understanding. We lost so much, but I want to think that we’re finally back to where we belong.”
He takes a trembling breath, gazing up at me with glistening eyes. “You challenge me, infuriate me at times, and fill my days with laughter and light I never expected to find. You mend what’s broken in me. You make me whole. When I picture my future, in every vision, in every dream—you are there by my side.”
Tears slip down my cheeks as my throat tightens with emotion. Gabe stands up, and lifts a hand to cradle my face, his thumb catching a tear. “I want you to be my future, Ame. To fall asleep beside you each night and wake to your beautiful smile each morning. Will you make me the happiest man alive by agreeing to be my wife, again and forever?”
A joyful sob escapes me. “Yes,” I breathe as more tears fall. “Of course, I’ll marry you.” Beaming brightly, Gabe slides the ring onto my finger where it was always meant to be.
However, this time, it feels right—perfect.
* * *
Gabriel
I still hate traffic and stupid drivers who can’t pay attention to where they’re going. However, I don’t have to deal with it on a daily basis. My life has changed a lot since Ameline came back into my life.
Currently, I’m working only part-time, as I’m slowly changing specialties to pediatrics. It’s going to take some time and I’m going back to doing a fellowship. However, this is something that’ll make me happier.
At least my parents have one less child to worry about. They’re now focusing on Harper and sometimes still give Jude a hard time. Of course, they visit Caleb and Cora often. They even converted a couple of our old rooms into grandchildren’s rooms for when we send the little ones to stay with them for weekends—or vacations.
Like the honey/baby moon, we plan to take in a couple of months.
Life in this branch of the Decker family is changing a lot. My parents have adopted Gideon as a Decker. He’s not as bad as I thought. The team of doctors I gathered for him finally diagnosed him with Functional Neurological Disorder.The neurologist found the right medication for his seizures, and though there’s not much we can do with the blindness, he has enough support around him to deal with the episodes.
“Put that baby down,” Ame says as she enters Caleb’s room.
“He just fell asleep a few minutes ago,” I claim.
Ame yawns. “Come to bed. I miss you.”
Carefully, I set our boy in the crib. “Sweet dreams.”
Ameline kisses him on the cheek and helps me tuck him in. When I get in the room, I lock the door and take her into my arms.
We kiss. Deep, letting our tongues, our hearts, and our souls dance and melt into each other. I lift Ameline and carry her to the bed, where I set her down.
She looks so sleepy, I’m not sure if I should make love to her, but of course, she says, “I want you.”
