Chapter 87
“ R emember when you walked in here in your black bikini?” I ask, struck by the sense of nostalgia while sitting on the cottage’s porch.
Dani playfully punches my arm.
“I’m so happy you did.” I smile. “We’ve been inseparable ever since,” I say, kissing the top of her head.
“Dani.” I scoot back so we can have eye contact.
“This summer with you has been unexpected and amazing. I didn’t anticipate finding someone.
I wasn’t looking … and there you were, in my kitchen. ”
She giggles. “The best summer.”
“I’ve always hoped for a family, a life partner.
” I pause, swallowing the lump in my throat, trying to keep my emotions in check.
“You’re everything I could ask for. I want you to know how serious I am about giving you the best life possible and supporting your passions.
” I pause, my heart pounding in my chest. “Don’t say anything.
I’m not looking for an answer right now.
I want to declare that you’re the one for me.
And as time goes on, I hope you’ll feel the same way.
” Reaching into my pocket, I pull out the ring.
It’s the one that caught her eye. “It’s only three carats,” I say, recalling the jeweler’s comment.
Dani’s eyes well up with tears.
“I saw how you looked at this ring, and I knew I had to get it for you. It’s not a proposal unless you want it to be, just a promise that I’m here for you, for whatever the future holds.”
Dani looks at the ring, then at me. I can see a mix of emotions playing across her face—surprise, joy, and maybe fear.
“Wear it on any finger you like. This isn’t a symbol of ownership. This ring is a symbol of my commitment to you.”
I take her hand gently. “I know it’s a big step. I want you to have a piece of my heart, to know how committed I am to you, to us. But we’ll do this at a pace you’re comfortable with. Whether you take this ring or not, my commitment remains the same.”
Dani takes a deep breath, her eyes searching mine. “Adam.” I can’t place her tone and hope she wants all of this too. “You want to marry me?”
“Yes. Without question.”
She takes the ring, holding it in her palm, and I pull her close. “It’s like a promise ring?” she asks, muffled into my chest.
“It’s whatever you want it to be.” I breathe into her hair. “I love you.”
We sit there in silence for a moment, and then she puts it on her right ring finger.
“It’s not a yes, yet,” she clarifies.
I smile, loving how matter-of-fact she can be. “One more gift.”
“No!” she says firmly.
“What do you mean, no?” I laugh.
“No more gifts. Whatever else you got me will have to wait for Christmas.”
As I wrap my arm around her shoulder, pulling her into me, I feel a sense of completeness. This summer changed everything.