“Beautiful night,” he said, lowering himself into a porch chair, his cane resting against the rail.
“Sure is,” I agreed, leaning on the railing beside him. From where I stood, I could see the faint lights of town in the valley and the pale crescent moon rising above the trees. For a while, neither of us said much. There was something comfortable about the quiet—two men sitting shoulder to shoulder, both thinking about the women inside.
Sam broke it first. “You know, she’s always been stubborn. Got that from her mother. Ruth says it’s from me, but I don’t see it.”
I smiled. “Yeah, she’s stubborn, all right. But that’s what I love most about her—she never gives up. On anything.”
He tilted his head to one side, his eyes sharp but kind. “You love her then?”
“I do,” I said without hesitation. The words felt big and simple at the same time. “More than I thought I could ever love anyone.”
My hand brushed the small box in my pocket, and I decided there wasn’t any point waiting.
“Mr. Mitchell,” I started, turning toward him, “I wanted to ask you something.”
He raised a brow, patient and curious.
“I’m old-fashioned,” I said. “And before I ask Lilly to marry me, I’d like your blessing.”
He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he leaned back, the porch light catching the silver in his hair. “That’s a fine thing to hear, Sawyer. You’re the only honorable man she’s been involved with.” He smiled faintly. “You seem steady. That matters.”
I nodded, not trusting myself to say much.
He tapped his cane lightly against the floorboards, thinking. “You’ve seen the world, I can tell. That kind of life leaves marks, same as mine did when I came back from the service. But it also teaches you what’s worth protecting. Raising a child—or maybe a few down the line—ain’t easy. It’s harder now. The world’s faster, meaner. But if you keep your family at the center, you’ll be all right.”
“I will,” I said quietly. “You have my word on that.”
He gave a small nod, eyes glinting with something like approval. “Then you’ve got my blessing, son. And for what it’s worth, I think my girl finally found her match.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat and shook his hand. “Thank you, sir. That means more than you know.”
Sam chuckled softly. “Good. Now, go propose before Ruth figures out what’s happening and spoils the surprise.”
When Lilly and her mom came out onto the porch—Ruth still drying her hands on a towel—I stepped forward and took Lilly’s hand.
“What’s going on?” she asked, laughing nervously.
“Something I don’t want to put off any longer,” I said.
I dropped to one knee, and the world seemed to hold its breath. “Lilly Grace Mitchell,” I said, pulling the small velvet box from my pocket, “you changed everything I thought I knew about life, about love, and about myself. This ring was my mother’s engagement ring. After she passed, I held onto it, thinking I’d never find someone who’d make me want to give itaway. Then you came along. If you’d rather have something new, I’ll get you one—or maybe add a few diamonds after Hope’s born—but this one… this one feels like it was always meant for you.”
Her eyes shimmered as I opened the box. “It’s beautiful,” she whispered. “And so are your words.”
“Is that a yes?”
She laughed through her tears. “It’s a yes.”
I slipped the ring onto her finger, my hands shaking just enough to make her smile wider. When she drew me up, her arms looped around my neck, and the rest of the world disappeared.
“I love you,” I whispered against her hair.
“I love you too,” she said, her voice trembling and sure all at once.
Ruth sniffled behind us. “Well, I’ll be.”
Sam chuckled. “Lilly. You were always full of surprises… But Sawyer has toppedevenyou.”
Lilly turned, her face glowing in the porch light. “Why wait?” she said suddenly. “Why not get married while we’re here? Art and his family could come. It’d mean so much for you both to be there, and it’d be easier than trying to travel later.”
