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And I can tell, as he shuts the door behind me, that he's still not sure if Piper is that for me.
Chapter nineteen
Piper
Timeonbedrestgoesby awfully slowly.
Whereas my first few days here were spent frantically traveling around the mountains and talking to family, my life back at the Hart house slows the hell down. Every day feels like an eternity. I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, watching the way the light shifts throughout the day. Sometimes I read a book or watch TV, but mostly I just lie here, trapped with my own thoughts.
I think about the night of my near-preterm labor, about how lucky I am to be alive and still carrying my baby. I think about what could have been, about all the women who aren't so lucky. I think about my own mortality, about how fragile and fleeting life can be.
I think about my daughter, growing inside me, and I think about names.
But mostly, I think about Jesse.
Jesse, who's turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me.
Who loves me, though I can't figure out why.
My fiercest defender.
Then, one day, he starts bringing my art supplies up to me in the guestroom.
Watercolor paper, brushes, and a small set of paints.
"You need something to keep your mind off things," he says with a smile.
I'm touched by his gesture, and I spend the next few days painting. I lose myself in the colors and the brushstrokes, creating beautiful images of the mountains and the lake outside my window.
Jesse comes to check on me every day, and I show him my progress. He's impressed by my talent, and I'm grateful for his support.
As the days pass, I start to feel better. My contractions have subsided, and my bedrest is lifted. Just one more week and I'll go back to the clinic...and then we'll have our baby.
I can't believe this is even happening.
How happy I am.
Jesse takes me on short walks around the property, and we talk about our future together. One evening, we're sitting on the porch swing, watching the sun set over the lake. The sky is a riot of colors, and the air is filled with the sound of crickets.
"I've been thinking about something," Jesse says, taking my hand.
"What is it?" I ask.
"I love you," he says, looking into my eyes. "And I want to spend the rest of my life with you."
My heart starts pounding in my chest. "Jesse, I love you too," I say, tears welling up in my eyes. "But what are you saying?"
He laughs softly, squeezing my hand. "Don't get too worked up," he says. "Baby's almost here."
"Okay," I laugh with him. "I won't. Justtell me."
He takes a deep breath.
Then he gets down on one knee in front of me, and I know exactly what's happening.
"I'm saying that I want to ask you something," he says. He pulls out a small box from his pocket, and opens it to reveal a diamond ring. "Will you marry me, Piper?"
I'm speechless, staring at the ring in shock. It's perfect for me--different, a moonstone set into winding silver.
