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With Bridget still in her arms, I wrap an arm around them and kiss their cheeks. Logan comes crashing into my legs.
“Is it time?” he asks, finally able to voice the secret we’d talked about earlier.
“Yeah, buddy, it’s time.”
“Time for what?” Elyssa laughs, seeing the look of excitement on the little boy’s face.
My answer is to bend down on one knee.
“Oh my God,” she gasps, eyes wide in surprise.
With Logan by my side, I lift the ring, presenting it to her.
“Elyssa, I’ve liked you for a very long time. As a dumb teenager, I thought what I felt for you was a schoolboy crush. Then, when I left for the air force, all my memories of home had you in them. But I knew the instant we met again, years after I’d thought that crush had faded away, that you were meant to be mine.
“I’ve liked you for a long time, but I’ll love you forever. You are my guiding light, the best woman and best partner I could have ever dreamed of to walk by my side. I love you with everything in me.” I pause, taking a deep breath and swallowing the emotion that threatens to catch in my throat. “Elyssa Laidlaw, love of my life, will you marry me?”
The room is quiet. Everyone is on the edge of their seats as we wait for Elyssa’s answer.
Tears stream down her face, her eyes shining with more than water. With happiness.
“Yes!” she shouts, startling everyone into laughter. “Yes, of course I’ll marry you.”
I stand quickly, bringing her back into my arms and kissing her. Sliding the ring on her finger fills me with such pride. I couldn’t believe this woman was mine, but I’d spend the rest of my life loving her like no one else could.
With both kids hoisted in our arms, Elyssa and I stand side by side, gazing into the others’ eyes. When my world came crashing down around me and it felt like grief would always hold a permanent place in chest, Elyssa appeared and helped show me that love could conquer all.
I knew, deep in my heart, my sister was looking down at us and cheering us on.
And I would spend the rest of my life protecting my family and making the women who meant the most to me in this world proud.
THE END
