I threaded the branch through the small twine loop and stepped back to appreciate the tree next to Jameson. However, he was no longer standing beside me; instead, he was down on one knee, gazing adoringly at me.
“Jameson.” I gasped and covered my mouth in shock.
Seeing him down on one knee, with an expression that blended excitement, nervousness, and overwhelming love in its most profound form, made me feel like I was soaring high above reality. It was a moment in time I never wanted to forget as my heart raced with anticipation.
“Arizona Grace Rhodes, you are an incredible woman. You have a heart that is larger than life, and I’ve been drawn to you from as far back as I can remember. I felt a connection on a molecular level. When we shared our first kiss, I instantly knew the feelings I’d long harbored weren’t just a product of my imagination; they marked the beginning of something real, something much deeper. My love for you, Ari, is like the ocean, vast, deep, and endless. You’re my soulmate, my other half. I’ve loved you from a distance, but loving you up close is by far my favorite. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
A wave of absolute giddiness drove my movement as I bounced on the spot before falling to my knees to kiss him silly. “Yes, Jameson, yes!”
With an ecstatic smile I couldn’t contain, I watched in sheer amazement as he slid a gold band featuring the most stunning, sparkling oval diamond I’d ever seen onto my ring finger.
“Jameson.” My eyes welled with glistening tears as my emotions overflowed in the best way possible. “I love you more than words can express.”
“I love you too,” he murmured against my lips. “My fiancée.”
“Ah, I love the sound of that, fiancé.”
“Sure has a nice ring to it.”
“That it does.” He held me tightly as my heart buzzed with exhilaration until the sound of the front door opening and closing caught my attention. “Did my dad just leave?”
“I’m guessing so.” He quickly looked around the living room before turning his attention back to me.
“Did he know?” I asked, tilting my head as I eyed him with curiosity. “Was he in on the surprise?”
“He knew my intentions, but no, he didn’t know I planned to propose tonight. I didn’t even know myself, and I had the ring in my pocket.” He chuckled. “When you showed me the ornament you made for us, I knew it was a sign and decided I couldn’t let the perfect opportunity slip away.”
“I feel like I’m dreaming.”
“That’s the best part: our love isn’t just a dream; it’s our reality.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Arizona
Sitting in my bedroom, I gazed at my reflection in the vanity mirror, feeling like I had stepped into a surreal yet undeniably perfect fairytale.
Today was a day I’d never imagined in my wildest dreams, a moment far beyond anything I’d ever pictured for myself.
Today, I was becoming Mrs. Jameson Fisher.
Growing up, I never allowed myself to believe marriage was in my future. After my mom passed, the heartache I watched my dad hide from the world behind closed doors was too devastating to ignore. The knowledge that time couldn’t erase the ache left behind felt like an open wound that never healed, leaving a scar that shaped everything I believed to be true about love.
But Jameson had completely turned my world upside down, dismantling the walls I’d carefully built around my heart.With every touch, gaze, and whispered word, he convinced me that our once-in-a-lifetime love and connection were worth every ounce of risk.
Everything had fallen into place exactly how it was supposed to happen and when it was our time. It was as if fate hadcarefully orchestrated it all, like a mastermind pulling the strings behind the scenes.
After Jameson proposed, we both agreed we didn’t want to wait. He said he would have married me right then and there in his living room but asked for a few days and to trust him. Just because I didn’t want a long engagement didn’t mean I shouldn’t get a wedding worthy of a princess—his words, not mine. All I had to do was find a dress and promise to be ready by seven p.m. on Christmas Eve. I knew Lily wouldn’t be comfortable attending our wedding ceremony in person, so I enlisted her help in finding a dress so she could still feel involved.
I dropped my eyes to the envelope in my hand, my mom’s cursive handwriting adorning the front: ‘Arizona (Wedding Day),’ and absentmindedly ran my finger along the edge.
When my dad arrived an hour ago, he handed me a letter along with two meaningful items: something old and blue—my mom’s lace garter, which had been handed down to her by my grandmother—and something new, a stunning gold butterfly pin. Since the butterfly was known for symbolizing the connection between life and the afterlife, my dad thought it was the perfect something new.
I immediately fastened the pin inside my dress, wanting it close to my heart. However, I had yet to summon the courage to open the envelope. What hit me the hardest—nearly stealing my breath before I even tried to open the letter—was the realization that I was about to read her inner thoughts and hear from her for the first time in nearly twenty years, since she passed away.
My final thought before opening the envelope was a gentle, wistful longing: If only I could remember the sound of her voice. But then, a wave of warmth and bravery washed over me, filling me with the quiet strength I needed to open it.
My dearest Arizona, my precious baby girl, I sincerely hope this letter will never see the light of day; however, if you are reading it, it means I can no longer be by your side on what is to be one of the most important days in your life. Please know my love for you has never wavered; it remains as strong as ever. I will be with you in spirit as you embark on this new chapter and find peace and comfort in knowing you’ve found a love beyond compare like I shared with your father. While love may not always be perfect, like sunshine and rainbows, the storms can lead to growth, renewal, and a deeper bond. You are incredibly strong; always remember that. Embrace your journey, celebrate what brings you happiness, no matter how big or small, and never forget that you are, and will forever be, my greatest pride and joy, my heart, and my daughter.
