AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Isaiah pulled Angela into a hug and kissed her forehead. “Don’t worry, Angel. I’m just going to watch them film and maybe throw out a little chum.”
Cory bounced on his toes. “You’ve gotta go down in the cage.”
Angela shook her head. “No cages. Just watch and enjoy.” She pointed at Cory. “Especially you. Don’t even lean on the edge of the boat.”
Isaiah chuckled. “It’s not that big a deal. We’re just capturing the migration. Cory, why don’t you take our book bag on board while I reassure your aunt.”
Cory picked up the book bag and smirked. “While you kiss her again. Thanks for the heads-up this time.” He hesitated, then walked forward and kissed Angela’s cheek. “Don’t worry, I won’t let him get a hand bitten off.” Cory grinned, then turned and went to the ship.
Tears pricked Angela’s eyes and she touched the spot on her cheek where he’d kissed her. “I guess he’s still happy with me.”
Isaiah ran a comforting hand up and down her back. “I think so. I’m glad Heather agreed to temporary guardianship.”
Angela nodded and watched Cory talk to some of the crew. “I am, too, but I’m still disappointed in her. Guardianship until Darryl is out of jail is guardianship until Cory’s graduating high school. I knew she was selfish, but still.”
“Shh.” Isaiah turned her to face him and kissed her forehead. “It’s all for the best. Everything is turning out well, Ms. Assistant Director,” he added with a grin.
Angela was happy to take her mind off her disappointment and switch to the good news she’d gotten the other day. She’d accepted the job of assistant director at the North Region Activity Center and started in two weeks. She was nervous and excited. Getting fired from working as an advocate still annoyed her, but she would get to work with kids in the community and that was what mattered.
“I can’t believe it, but I’m ready for the challenge. School’s done, I’ve got a new job and Cory is settled and happy. Everything is great.”
“There’s one other thing I think would make things even better.”
She placed her hands on his chest. His heart beat fast beneath her palms. Frowning, she noticed nervousness in his eyes. “What’s wrong?”
Isaiah licked his lips. His hands squeezed her hips. “I love you, Angela. I want to marry you.” Her jaw dropped and he continued in a rush. “I know we had a whirlwind relationship and you’re finally getting back on your feet, but that doesn’t change how I feel about you. I want us to be permanent partners in life and in love.”
“When?” Her face broke out into a huge smile. Her own heart matched the pace of his.
“After the season. When we’ve got time to plan and decide how we want to move forward with starting our lives together—maybe growing our family.”
“I didn’t know if I ever wanted to get married, much less have kids. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to trust anyone enough to fully combine my life with theirs. But, Isaiah, you’ve shown me that you don’t want to run my life.”
“I’m sorry about the rent and school.”
She shook her head. “That’s over and done with. Honestly, it helped out a lot and I can never repay you for helping me out the way you did. Since then you’ve shown me that you respect my decisions. We talk things out, you’re always there for Cory and you haven’t pushed even when I knew you wanted to. I want to marry you, too, Isaiah. I want to build a family with you.”
The smile on his face turned her world into a kaleidoscope of colors. “Is that a yes?”
Angela grinned and nodded. “Yes.”
“Yes!” Isaiah picked her up and swung her around.
Angela yelped, then wrapped her arms around his neck. She laughed and held him tight, feeling safe and protected in the security of his arms.
“She said yes?” It was Cory’s voice.
Isaiah put down Angela. “She did.”
She looked at her nephew’s eager grin and Isaiah’s matching one. “You knew he was going to ask?”
“Of course. I’m the man of the house,” Cory said, tugging proudly on the front of his shirt.
