Chapter 70
Josephine
I step onto the stage but keep my focus fixed on Decker.
He’s the homing beacon, the eye at the center of this storm.
I’m not even halfway to him when the first camera flashes. In my periphery, it looks like lightning. I don’t let myself panic. I won’t. All I can do is move forward.
His eyes hold mine as I carefully walk across the stage toward his outstretched arm.
Each step I take is a promise.
Each second that passes is an assurance that this is really happening, that he really wants this, that he really wants me.
The slightest smile tugs at the corner of his mouth.
That single micro expression steals my breath, and another piece of my heart clicks back into place.
Walking toward Decker like this feels so much bigger than the trek I made to him at our wedding; it’s so much more significant than anything I’ve ever done.
I see the vision he’s cast for us. The sacrifice he’s willing to endure, and the humbling, life-changing choices he’s making.
His actions today communicate what’s in his heart more than words ever could. His sacrifice won’t be in vain, because with this announcement, Decker has finally proven how far he’s willing to bend for this family.
By the time I reach him, my heart is beating triple time and tears are threatening to spill from my eyes.
He takes my hand, but protectively wraps one arm around me, too, pulling me into his side. He bows his head low, his words quiet, just for me. “I’ve got you, Siren. And now you’ve finally got me, too.”
When he straightens, we look ahead, posing for photos as the media shouts questions at the stage.
Flashes light up the room in rapid fire, but with Decker by my side, they don’t induce panic. They don’t feel debilitating or threatening. For the first time ever, they feel like freedom.