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"It is truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." She finishes the Jane Austen passage and looks down at me. I dropped to one knee while she was reading, and she was none the wiser. Lizzie chokes on a bit of air when she sees me down on a knee before her. Taking the book from her hands, I place it down beside us. I take her trembling hands into my own.
"Lizzie, from the moment I saw you in that coffee shop, my world has been turned upside down in the most perfect way possible. It was fate that brought us together that day, twice actually." I chuckle when I think back to seeing her at the club the same day. "You see, I go after what I want and whatI want is you. You have bewitched me, body, heart, and soul. I am completely and utterly in love with you. Lizzie, please allow me to take care of all your needs and wants. Let me make you as happy as you make me every single day. I want to be the reason that your beautiful brown eyes sparkle. I need you like I need the air I breathe. You are the crazy little puzzle piece that fits my proud and arrogant one. You have made me a better man by seeing the best in myself. Please, Elizabeth Brighton, will you be my wife?" I finish with a single tear sliding down my cheek. Lizzie nods her head several times before she says anything. By now, everyone in the house is on the porch watching us, but I only have eyes for Lizzie.
"Of course, I will marry you, Miles. You are everything I never knew I needed. You make me the happiest I have ever been, and I want to spend forever and a day with you. I love you so much," she says as she wraps her arms around my neck. I kiss her quickly and pull her back to bring the little blue box from my pocket. As I flip it open, I see how wide her eyes become. The ring has a four-carat oval diamond with three brown diamond baguettes on either side that remind me of the color of her eyes. I had this specially made, and it came out perfect.
I take the ring out and slide it on her finger. It’s a perfect fit, just like us.
"It's beautiful, Miles. I have never seen anything like it."
"That’s because there isn’t. There isn’t anything like you, so your ring had to be the same. Unique. It’s custom made, with your deep striking brown eyes as inspiration. I love you, Lizzie."
"Oh Miles, I love you so much! Thank you for making me so happy."
"No, thank you, Lizzie. You are my soulmate, and I am just too thankful to have found you."
Cheers erupt around us as I stand up and pull Lizzie into my arms. I could never describe the love I have for this woman. She is truly the full moon to my midnight sky. Unique.
Elizabeth
As I open my emails, I see that I have one from Knight Publishing Company. There are several others from multiple publishing companies, as well. This one sticks out the most because the subject reads: “We want to publish you!” I squeal in excitement, as I jump up and down. Miles comes running into the room, with a look of worry written across his face.
"What is it, Lizzie?" he questions, trying to read my expression. I don’t have the words, so I turn my laptop for him to see. He falls to his knees with the largest smile on his face. He grabs my hips, pulls me close and rests his head on my stomach.
"You have got to be kidding me! You sent your manuscript to us, and I didn’t even know it. I haven’t heard your name. Sebastian called me earlier and told me about a new author that sounded extraordinary. The name was something Austen." Then, I see the recognition in his eyes. His mouth gapes open, seemingly speechless.
"I made a pen name. I wanted it to be unique and special like us. I used the first letters of our names and the last name Austen because that was the first name associated with us. So, E.M. Austen is me, Miles." He jumps up moving the laptop to the side and picks me up. Twirling around the room, both of us are laughing and crying at the same time. Happy tears, of course.
"I am so proud of you, baby. I knew you could do it. We have to celebrate," he shouts as he continues swinging me about.
"I think we already did." I say gesturing to my engagement ring I haven't been able to take my eyes off of.
"You are truly incredible, Lizzie," he murmurs in my ear, then kisses my forehead. I love this man so much. He is my everything too.
Chapter 37
Elizabeth
The black Audi rental car comes to a stop in front of the Palmetto Senior Living facility. The building is bright white stucco, with large, black plantation shutters. Palm trees are scattered throughout the beautiful landscaping. There are benches for sitting areas scattered throughout the property. Some are facing the ocean, and I know those would be the ones my father would choose. I know why my family chose to put my father in this place. He’s always loved the sea. It was something we always had in common.
The clouds overhead are swirling about, as the wind strengthens. There is a storm coming. It’s quite fitting, actually. There is a storm inside me that is raging, about to spill over. There is nothing I can do to stop it. I came here for a reason and as much as I would rather run away, I know this must be done. I let out a deep breath as I look out the window at the ominous weather. Miles cuts the engine and reaches over to grab my shaking hand. He gives it a firm squeeze, letting me know he’s right here with me. I’m not going into this alone, and I’m thankful for that. I glance over at Miles, and I see the concern in his eyes. I didn’t want to be alone today, and he was happy to accompany me. I attempt a small smile, but I know it’s weak.
“Are you ready?” he queries. I don’t think I’ll ever be ready, but I nod. He pulls my hand up to his lips and gives it a quick kiss. Getting out of the car, he comes to my side to help me out. I take his hand like it’s the only lifeline I have. I’m sure he can feel the tension rolling off me in waves, as we walk into the center. He opens the large door and ushers me inside, then places his hand on the small of my back. A simple act, yetso comforting. As I approach the main desk, I look around at the hustle of nurses, staff, and patients. The air is sterile and clinical, which only makes this situation more real.
“How may I help you?” The receptionist interrupts me from my thoughts as I glance back at her.
“S-sorry, I am here to see Alan Brighton,” I reply with more confidence than I feel. She types at her computer, and then asks, "What is your relationship to the patient?" My mouth goes dry because I haven’t acknowledged he was my father for many years now. I clear my throat and Miles pulls me closer to his side. The instant warmth from his body soothes my racing heart.
“Daughter. I’m his daughter, Elizabeth Brighton,” I inform her. She studies me for a moment, then looks back down at her computer.
“Oh yes, I see your name under visitors. If you don’t mind, can I see your I.D. just to confirm. It’s policy procedure,” she explains. I pull out my license and hand it over to her, as she surveys the card. She quickly hands it back and gives us directions to his wing of the center. Miles laces his finger through mine, as we walk down the corridor. I feel like my feet are growing heavier the closer we come to his room. I glance at the room numbers on the doors and feel sweat begin to coat the back of my neck. Within minutes, we are in front of room 143. The door is cracked, but I’m not able to see in. I stare at his nameplate and different instructions for care, which hang to the right of the door. Before I can push it open, a nurse comes along.
“Can I help y’all?” she inquires, looking between Miles and I, and then back at Miles for a beat too long. A spike of anger unfurls in my stomach, but Miles pulls me closer to him. He obviously felt her wandering eyes as well.
“We are here to see Alan Brighton. This is his daughter, Elizabeth,” Miles replies while keeping me close. She looks shocked by his admission. Probably because she didn’t know he had a daughter. Why would she? I’m sure I’ve never been mentioned, and this is my first visit.
“Well, I’m glad you could visit. I’m sure your father willbe pleased to see you. He’s been quite lucid this morning, so you have a good chance of having a real talk with him.” I just nod as Miles replies with a “thank you.” I gather any remaining mental strength and walk into his room.
His back is to us as we enter, looking out of his window. He’s sitting in a leather recliner that I’m sure he insisted needed to be in his room. It’s always been his favorite chair. You can see the ocean from his room, and I imagine he sits in that chair a lot. I can see the amount he’s aged since the last time I saw him. His hair is completely gray and balding in the center. I take a few deep breaths and walk around the side of his chair, so he can see me. He looks up at me and for a moment I feel like he doesn’t recognize me. But then I see a flicker in his eyes as he says, “Elizabeth.” A small tear escapes my eye as I nod, and I quickly wipe it away. He looks behind me, and I move to the side to introduce Miles.
