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EPILOGUE
New Year’s Eve Party, San Francisco, CA
Ithadbeenthemost amazing year.
Clara glanced over at the dashing man by her side as he talked to some of their friends. In the months since the Tula debacle, they’d been together every free moment. They’d even taken up biking. Andrew claimed it was good therapy for his leg. She wasn’t so sure. However, she made sure he didn’t overdo it. But he was definitely getting stronger.
While she’d continued to build her business and work her way through the process of buying the chapel, Andrew had gone back to work in San Francisco. They’d never been happier. And now they were about to usher in the New Year together.
“It’s almost midnight.” Andrew’s voice drew her from her thoughts.
“And I can’t think of anyone I’d rather usher it in with.”
He stepped in front of her and then carefully lowered himself to one knee, making her gasp. The party went silent as all heads turned in their direction.
He smiled up at her as he reached for her hand. “Clara, I love you. And I’m so sorry for ever taking our relationship for granted. I’ll never do that again if you’ll give me another chance?”
Happy tears blurred her vision as she vigorously nodded, not quite trusting her voice.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a black velvet ring box. The box creaked as he opened it. “A new year and a new start deserves new bling.” He removed the ring. “Clara Harrington, will you marry me?”
She pressed a hand to her chest. “Yes! Yes! Yes!”
He slid the ring onto her finger before standing. He placed a kiss upon her lips as applause sounded around them.
“I don’t want to wait to marry.” His tone was serious. “We’ve already waited much too long to start our lives together.”
“Andrew, you can’t be serious.”
“Do I sound like I’m joking?”
“No, but…” As much as she wanted to be his wife, she didn’t want to rush this moment. “Do we have to rush the wedding?”
The smile fell from his face. “You’re having doubts.”
“No. Not at all. It’s just that I’d like to enjoy this moment as your fiancée.”
“But wouldn’t being my bride be better?”
How did she get him to understand her need to slow down just a bit without him doubting her love for him? This was a huge moment for her—for both of them.
“Wait,” he said. “I think I understand. You want time to plan our wedding.” When she smiled and nodded, he said, “I should have thought of that. I was excited and jumped ahead.” He pulled her into his embrace. “I suppose I can wait, if you promise not to make me wait too long.”
She gazed up at him, taking in the warmth of his smile. “I promise. But I do have one question for you.”
He arched a brow. “Ask away.”
Clara smiled up at him. “How do you feel about pink?”
“Pink?”
“I have the most beautiful pink heels to wear for the wedding.”
His eyes lit up. “I remember them. They are quite stunning. Wait. Is it bad luck for you to wear them since I’ve already seen them?”
She shook her head. “That only pertains to the wedding dress.”
He smiled. “Then I say they’ll be perfect. Now how soon can we get married?”
