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Epiligue
Taeli
One Year Later
“Ihave one!” I squeal, as I reel in the gorgeous rainbow trout.
I’ve been honing my fly-fishing skills this past year. It’s something that both my guys enjoy and has become an unspoken competition among the three of us. Caleb keeps a mental count of catches and weights. Graham is in the lead, but Caleb is right on his heels. I’m determined to overtake my son.
When Graham asked if I wanted to go out today, I jumped at the chance. Caleb’s baby brother’s first birthday was last weekend and he flew to Illinois to attend the party; therefore, I have a chance to advance in the game while he’s gone.
Graham steps forward and takes the fish in his hands and uses a set of pliers to remove the hook. Once it’s free from my line he holds it up.
“It’s a beauty. I bet this one will come in around twelve pounds,” he praises.
“Every ounce helps,” I declare.
He takes the trout and adds it to our cooler of ice.
“Do you want to go again?” he asks.
I look up. The sun is beginning to set, and the sky is aglow in a breathtaking array of pink and orange. I will never tire of the beauty of dusk in the Tennessee mountains.
“It’s getting late,” I muse.
He follows my gaze and agrees.
“Yeah, but I think we can cast one more time before it’s dark. You may even be able to slip into second place if your able to pull in another ten-pounder.”
Second place? I didn’t think I was that close.
“Really? Caleb is going to accuse me of cheating for going out while he’s at his dad’s.”
He shrugs.
“So, what? He’ll pass you again next weekend.”
That’s true. I don’t stand a chance.
“Let’s do it,” I decide.
He smiles and walks over to take my rod.
“You want to try a wet fly this time? Caleb and I tied a few ourselves. Grab one out of my tackle box,” he instructs, and I trudge my way out of the water to the blanket holding our gear.
“Which ones are the wet flies?” I ask as I lift the top of the box.
“The second row from the top. There should be a bright yellow one on the right,” he calls.
“Got it!”
I gasp when the light from my headlamp catches a glint as I snatch it from the kit.
A large round diamond ring is dangling from the lure.
I turn on trembling legs to find that Graham has made his way to the edge of the creek and is standing behind me. He reaches out and takes my hand to steady me.
“What is this?” I ask.
He sinks to one knee before me and looks up to meet my eyes.
“I never thought that I could find love again. I was perfectly content living the rest of my life alone until you and Caleb came barreling into Balsam Ridge and into my path. I love you, Taeli. I love your son. I know you’ve been through hell and so have I, but we’ve both been given a second chance and I’d be the happiest man on earth if you’d agree to be my wife. Say yes, and let’s grow our family and build an amazing life together.”
I cover my mouth with my free hand and let the beauty of the moment wash over me. This man is on his knee with the sunset at his back, pledging to love me and Caleb for the rest of our lives.
How did I get so lucky?
“Please?” he whispers.
I laugh as I let the tears I’ve been holding back flow down my cheeks and choke out my answer.
“Yes, yes, yes!”
I fall to my knees in front of him as he unties the ring and slides it on my finger. Then I wrap my arms around his neck and press my lips to his.
