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"Marry me," I blurt out.
"What?" Harper giggles but stops when she sees how serious I am.
I drop to one knee and fish the ring I've spent all afternoon shopping for out of my pocket. It has a platinum band with a nice-sized diamond in the center. Two smaller diamonds sit beside it, and there's an inscription inside that reads, ‘This road we travel together, let God lead the way.’
"Harper Haven, my love for you was a stranger in my life until our paths crossed in that church. From the day we met, you've been a constant beacon for where I wanted my life to go. There's no other woman I'd like to have by my side as we journey through this life together. God has sent you to me, and it's up to me to prove my words to your family?—"
"My family?" Harper mouths the question, barely above a whisper.
"Yes, your family. I spoke with them today. Your brothers and parents all know this is what we want. I'm here to protect you, take care of you, make sure you want for nothing—whether it be a new house or affection. My love for you will move that massive mountain if need be to ensure you have everything you need to be my wife. Harper Haven, I love you and I've never loved anyone as much as I do you. Will you do me the greatest honor and marry me?"
Harper drops to her knees, with tears welling in her eyes. "I love you too, Hunter. Yes, I'll marry you."
EPILOGUE
HARPER
One Year Later
The Haven-Hudgens families take up the first four pews of the church as our parents, my brothers, their wives, and an assortment of booster seats and car seats occupy most of the space. My nieces and nephews are all close in age, with two of my sisters-in-law expecting their seconds in the coming months.
The air is exploding with love, and I remember taking my walk down this aisle nearly ten months ago. My father, one of the strongest men I've ever met, cried tears before handing me to Hunter at the altar. Now, Hunter and I stand at the same altar as we christen our son, Hampton.
He squirms and squiggles with his rosy red cheeks and wispy blonde hair. When he decides to open his eyes, the softest hazel brown orbs stare at you with fascination. I have to fight to stop myself from waking him now.
Hunter's friend, Father Sutton, the new priest of Saint Alban's, performs the ceremony for us. His words bring tears to my eyes as I look at Hunter, who's cradling our son with such love and protection, I fall in love with him all over again. Every time I see him being a dad, it warms my heart.
Every time I feel him being Daddy, my pussy twitches. I have to stop this. It's bad enough we've done a number of unspeakable acts around this church, but my intrusive thoughts distract me, my eyes dragging their gaze up and down Hunter's body.
It takes an abrupt clearing of my mother's throat from the pews behind us to refocus my attention. After the ceremony ends, everyone starts heading out to a restaurant celebration nearby where we can get together over the dedication of our son to God.
My mother promptly approaches me while Hunter talks to Father Sutton. Her voice is low but firm as she chastises me. "You know we can see you, Harper."
"I forgot, I'm sorry. I'll be on my best behavior."
"You'd better not," Hunter interjects with a grin.
"Don't encourage her. We're in the house of the Lord. Harper, I understand, but I expect more restraint from you, Father Hudgens," my mother says to Hunter.
That makes me laugh. "A man in service to God still gets reprimanded by his mother-in-law."
Hunter smiles. "It's all in the life we chose. I wouldn't have it any other way either. I'm the luckiest man alive."
He leans over to kiss me, our son cooing between us, before leading us out of the church and to lunch. What starts as asimple celebration escalates into an afternoon full of laughter, joy, and love.
Hunter fits right in with my brothers, and their wives are all so sweet. I find myself leaning on my father's shoulder while I watch Hunter and Hayden swap stories from their respective jobs. Hudson is arm-wrestling with Heather, and Hendrix is outside with my nephew, Hawk, trying to let the fresh air tucker him out. His wife, Havana, is wrangling the other toddlers with my sisters.
"This is perfect, Dad," I tell him.
"It is." He nods. "Your mother and I are very proud of you all. Now, go get your husband before Hayden challenges him to some feat of strength. They're like bulls locking horns."
My family is amazing, and my husband is one of the best men I've ever known. I make my way over, running my hand across the back of his shoulders before leaning down to whisper in his ear, "Daddy, we should christen this restaurant."
Hunter's eyes shift to look at me before he turns his face slightly toward mine where I dot his lips with a chaste kiss.
"For heaven's sake, Harper," Hayden swears. It gets him a scolding glare from our mother, but it doesn't stop him from speaking his mind. "Harper, no one wants to hear you defile the priest in here."
Hunter laughs, gets up from his seat, and takes me by the hand to lead me away from the table. Hayden's disgust is audible.
