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Was this happening? Was he really doing it in front of everyone?
He dropped to one knee next to my chair. "Annie Armstrong, I've loved you since we were small, and when you appeared back into my life last month, all the feelings returned. Only this time they’re from the heart of a man, not a boy. We've grown and changed during our years apart, yet the fundamental truth aboutus didn't. We belong together. A part of me felt like it was missing, and I could never place quite why. It's because of you, Annie. I missed you and didn't even know it. But the moment you reappeared in the flesh, not just on the television screen, I knew. You were meant to return here to heal but also to find me again."
I breathed in and out, afraid I was going to start bawling. "I agree," I whispered.
"Will you be my wife and make it official? No more time apart. No miles between us. Just you and me tackling the world together."
"I will," I said. "Even though this all happened so fast, I have no doubt that you and I are meant to be. We finally found their way back to each other."
"So that's a yes for sure?" Atticus asked. “Even though this whole crew comes with me?” He gestured toward his brothers, who were all beaming at us.
“That's a yes for sure. And as far as the crew goes, we have a few meddling brothers to thank for even getting to this place. I will marry you, Atticus Moon.”
The room exploded in applause and shouts of joy. Stella openly wept. Jasper's eyes were glossy with unshed tears.
This was my family. Despite the years away, that had never changed. I belonged at a place at their table.
Atticus leaned closer to seal our engagement with a kiss.
"Is there something in there?" I pointed to the box still in his hand.
"Oh my goodness, what am I doing?" Atticus laughed, his cheeks pinkening. He popped open the box to show me a large solitaire diamond big enough to blind me in certain light. How many carats was it?
Atticus took my hand and slipped the ring onto my left hand. "Do you like it?"
"I may find it hard to lift my hand," I said, jokinglypretending like it was too heavy by dropping my hand onto my lap.
"I think you'll manage," Atticus said.
"It is not the ring but the man I want." I smiled through my own tears. "But if you insist, I shall keep the ring."
We rose to give and receive hugs from every Moon family member. Jasper opened champagne, and Caspian brought out a plate of chocolate covered strawberries.
As we toasted and nibbled on the dessert, I snuggled against the side of my fiancé. Atticus Moon was going to be my husband and I would be his wife.
"It only took us a few decades, but we're finally fulfilling our destiny," I said to him. "Thank you for making me so happy."
He brushed a curl from my cheek. "I'll make sure you never doubt my love. I'll be wherever you are."
"And I'll be where you are."
We kissed to seal our promises, but there was no need. Atticus would not leave me unless God called him home early. I really hoped that wouldn't be the case. I had a lot of plans for us.
Apparently, I wasn't the only one.
"Just think," Stella said. "By this time next year, we might have a baby in the family."
Atticus and I laughed, although the look in Stella's eyes told me she was serious.
Who knew? Maybe she was right.
Whatever the future brought, I would savor every moment of our giddy love. Let the press talk all they want about the Billionaire Cowboy and the Actress. We were a team. No one could hurt us now.
I looked back at the photograph of the younger Atticus and back again at his mature face. To me, they were one and the same.
My one and only love.
