Tears filled her eyes. “You love me?”
“More than anything. You own me, Lilly. All of me, and it’s yours.” He reached into his jacket pocket. “I wanted to ask you this days ago, but I didn’t have the ring. I finally picked it up this morning.” He pulled out a small velvet box. “Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
“You love me?” she asked, repeating his words.
“More than anything. I’ve loved you for a long time, but I’ve been too scared to say the words. I didn’t want to scare you off.”
She covered her mouth. “I … I love you too, so much. I’ve wanted to tell you so many times, but I’ve been afraid.”
“Will you marry me?” he asked for a second time, and she nodded.
“Yes, please, yes.”
He slid the ring onto her finger, and it was the perfect fit.
Caleb got to his feet and pulled her into his arms, kissing her lips.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, not caring the town saw. Across Caleb’s shoulder, she saw Edward.
Her father struggled with social events but for her, he’d been trying. She offered him a wave and he stuck his thumbs up and she laughed.
Caleb pulled back, and she pointed toward her father.
“I asked for his blessing, and he gave it.”
“He did?”
“At first, he didn’t think it was his place, but I finally got him convinced that he needed to step up in all areas.”
“I can’t believe you love me.”
Caleb stroked her cheek. “I can’t believe you said yes.”
She pressed her face against his chest.
During his proposal, Tiffany had been moved along. With his very public proposal, for the rest of the day, she and Caleb were congratulated.
“I don’t suppose we could start not using condoms now,” Caleb said, whispering against her ear.
No one was close to them, and she slapped his chest. “Be careful, anyone could hear.”
“I don’t care. Do you think we can leave them out?” He pulled her in close, his hands resting on her back.
“What about kids?” she asked.
“I want a whole flock of them.”
“A flock.”
“Don’t you want a bunch of kids running around our feet?” he asked.
“Why don’t we start with one and see how we go?”
“So no condoms?”
“Kiss me and we’ll see.”
He slammed his lips down on hers, and she knew deep in her heart, no matter what he asked, she’d give it to him.
****
Three months later
“You’re nervous,” Rome said.
“Shut up, I’m not nervous.” Caleb glanced at the time, aware of the church full of people. Time was ticking on by.
“You’re jumping around.”
“Can you go and check on James?”
“He told me to stick with you.”
“I need to know what the hell is going on,” Caleb said.
He was about to go himself when the doors of the church flung open. “Patience, everyone. It will be just a few more minutes.”
Caleb turned toward his brother, who headed down the aisle.