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She shrugs, and that’s when I see a grinning Tyler, holding another envelope.
“You guys! I swear!” I say as he hands it to me. While I open this one, we continue our slow stroll.
Katie Angel,
We’ve experienced a lot together. Some bad, but way more good. Knowing that you never gave up on me after everything that happened has kept me moving forward in life. I’ll never be able to repay you for saving me, for giving me a chance, and for loving me. I’ll forever be indebted to you, my love, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Now, I’m crying. Tyler chuckles as Gemma places her hand on the small of my back, and then I see Everleigh. She’s wearing a wide smile and looks at me with raised brows.
“This one’s a doozy,” she says, handing me the envelope.
Katie Baby,
I’ve tried to think back to the moment I fell in love with you, and it’s nearly impossible. Loving you has always just been a part of who I am. It’s like I was created for the sole purpose of loving you, caring for you, helping you, protecting you, and I swear I’ll spend the rest of my life doing those things. I’m not perfect, but you don’t seem to see my imperfections. I don’t know what I did in a past life to deserve you, but I’m thankful for that and you.
I stop and wipe my face, then suck in a deep breath. People passing by look at me like I’ve lost my mind, but they have no idea how large my heart has swelled in the past ten minutes. The emotions I feel are almost too much. Loretta and Elliot meet us, and Elliot hands me another letter, then they fall in line with everyone else.
Katie Sweetheart,
I hate that I’ve caused you heartache and tragedy. I hate that things happened the way they did, and I’ve asked myself over and over if I could go back in time, would I change them? At first, my answer was yes, but then I realized that changing the past may not bring me back to you, and that’s all I’ve ever wanted. You, sweetheart. You’re my everything. Your sunshine on dark days, warmth when it’s cold, and calm in a storm. I will always be there for you no matter and be an anchor when you need it the most because you’re my North when I’ve lost my way.
Next are Belinda and Jerry, along with another silver envelope.
Katie Love,
I remember what I wished for on my eighteenth birthday. Do you remember being there? You sat right across from me at the table as the candles were burning, and you told me to make a wish. I looked you straight in the eyes, and at that moment, I wished that I’d marry you someday. I blew out the candles and held it deep inside. Years later, I thought back to that moment and was convinced that it would never happen. But now, I’m a believer. Wishes do come true, and I know that to be the truth every morning when I wake up with you in my arms.
My parents greet me with hugs and tell me how much they love me, then lead me over to Owen and Anthony. Thankfully, neither of them was carrying a letter, and for once, I’m grateful because I don’t know how much more I can read before I melt into tears.
Owen grabs my free hand and looks into my eyes. “Mama, I gave Dad permission,” he says, and I can see he’s growing emotional too.
“Permission for what, baby?” I ask.
Moments later, Noah steps into view, looking as handsome as ever. Even though he’s been wearing those clothes all day, I can see the happiness radiating from him. He moves forward, and Owen and Anthony step aside. Behind me are all of my friends and family, watching as Noah gets on one knee.
I suspected a proposal after the first letter, but I never imagined it would be anything like this. The thought he puts into making moments special for me is magical.
He rubs his thumbs across the top of my hand.
“Katie, I’m pretty sure you’ve figured it out by now.” He chuckles, and I nod as tears drip down my face.
“I meant every word in those letters. I love you, sweetheart, more than anything in the world. I’d do anything for our beautiful children…” He glances at Owen, then back at me. “And for you. As I mentioned, you’re the only woman I’ve ever loved with every fiber of my being, and I told myself that if I ever had the opportunity to marry you, I wouldn’t pass it up. And here we are, beautiful. Katie…will you please spend the rest of your life with me and let me make you breakfast in bed, massage your feet, and treat you like the queen you are? Will you marry me?”
The whole time I was too focused on him to even notice the beautiful ring he’s holding.
“Yes, baby. Yes!” I say, and he stands and slides his lips across mine.
When we pull apart, he takes the ring out of the box, slips his hand in his pocket, and then pulls out a silver chain.
“It’s sized forafterthe babies.” He chuckles. “Gemma suggested it.”
Gemma shrugs and meets my eyes. “Don’t you agree?”
I nod. “Totally.”
Noah slips the ring on the necklace, then clasps it behind my neck. I look down at the diamond sparkling in the sunshine, then pull him closer. I get lost in this kiss as his tongue slides against mine, and if we didn’t have an audience or weren’t in public, there’s no telling where this would lead.
Congratulations are in order, and we exchange hugs and tears and handshakes galore. My senses are heightened because of my hormones, and I can’t remember the last time I’ve cried so much, but I welcome tears of happiness any day. While we’re saying our goodbyes to everyone, Owen gives me a tight squeeze.
