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“We waited upstairs for as long as possible,” Jason said as he entered the room, a sheepish expression etched on his face. “We were going a little stir crazy up there.”
“We wanted to join in on the celebration,” Shayla said, reaching out and pulling Bella into a hug. Heath grinned as he watched the two embrace. It was obvious all of Shayla’s reservations about Bella had evaporated.
“Congratulations!” Addie yelled, throwing confetti in the air.
Heath coughed as some confetti landed in his mouth.
“Oops,” Addie said in a soft voice. “I’m so sorry, Heath. I got a bit carried away.”
“My wife is nothing if not exuberant,” Caleb said, placing a kiss on Addie’s temple.
“No worries, Addie,” Heath said, grinning at his sister-in-law. I know you’ve been rooting for us.”
“I have,” Addie said, reaching out and squeezing his hand. “God answered all of our prayers.”
Parker began pouring sparkling cider into glasses and handing them out to everyone, starting with Heath and Bella. When everyone had a glass in their hands, Parker hit a spoon against his glass and said, “I’d like to make a toast to Heath and Bella.” Once he had the attention of everyone in the room, he continued. “The two of you serve as inspiration for us all. You fought for your love. Your love has withstood the hard things that life throws our way. You’ve weathered separation, disappointments, losing loved ones, military service. In the end it’s made you stronger.”
“Thanks, Parker,” Heath said, beaming as he looked down at Bella. He had his arm encircled around her waist, and if truth be told, he never wanted to let go of her.
“Let’s head to the Silver Spoon and tell Mom and Dad. They’ve been praying for us this whole time,” Heath said. “Even with their own troubles they’ve been rooting for our happy ending.”
Bella nodded. “I think we need to continue to pray for them, Heath. They really do belong together.”
Heath grinned at her. “I like the way you think. I agree with you, but we can’t push them back together. They have to realize that life is better when they’re together.”
“Is that what you realized about us?” she asked.
“Absolutely,” he whispered, pressing a kiss against her lips.
“I love you, Heath Donahue.” She raised her hand and brushed her fingers across his lips.
He stared down into her sky blue eyes, marveling at everything he saw reflected in her orbs. “I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love you, Bella Vincente. And I hope you don’t object, but I really want to marry you as soon as possible.” He reached out and pressed his palm against her perfectly rounded belly. “And it’s for a million reasons other than this little cherub.”
“Why would I mind? I’ve wanted to be your wife for a very long time. I don’t care about the bells and whistles. Let’s make this happen.”
“We’re going to be a family, Bella. That means the world to me.”
“Oh, Heath. Tell me you love me again. It will never get old hearing you say it.”
“I love you to the moon and back, my sweet Bella. And I always will,” Heath said, placing a triumphant kiss on her lips that signified everything
the future held in store for them. Happiness. Joy. And a lifetime of love.
THE END
