Epilogue #2
“Yeah, it is. He apologized for his father’s actions. He even asked for my forgiveness. I told him he’d done nothing wrong. He knows I don’t hold it against him.”
Mia’s expression melted into a smile. “I’m glad that your friend didn’t become a jerk like his dad.”
The conversation was becoming too heavy. Suddenly, Jackson couldn’t wait any longer. He took her hand and moved back to where Dylan and Wynne waited, then slipped his free hand into his pocket, winking at his brother. Dylan caught on and grinned, grabbing Wynne’s hand in anticipation.
“On another note,” Jackson said to Mia, “I have something to ask you…”
He pulled out the box, dropped to one knee, and flipped the lid open, showing her the ring. “Maria Turner, I love you with my whole heart. With you in my life, I’m a better man. Will you marry me and stay with me for the rest of our lives?”
Mia’s hands flew to her mouth. Her heart pounded in her chest. They’d talked about the future, and yes, she’d hoped for a proposal, but hadn’t anticipated one this soon. Her knees trembled, and she braced her legs to keep from tipping over.
Jackson removed the ring from the box and held it between his thumb and pointer. When he held it out to her, she removed her hands from her lips.
“Oh, Jackson. I love you too. I’d love to marry you!”
She let him slide the ring onto her finger. She gasped at the gorgeous diamond glinting in the light. “It’s perfect! Jackson, it’s exactly the ring I would have picked for myself.”
Rising to his feet, he grinned. “I know you.”
When he tugged her closer, she willingly went into his arms. The kiss at the door was nothing compared to this one. Every caress told her again and again that she was loved and cherished. She melted against him and slid her arms around his neck.
She forgot about their audience until Dylan let out a loud whistle. Blushing, she laughed and stepped back, although she remained in the circle of Jackson’s arms.
“Whoa! This is so cool!” Dylan bounded toward her. She accepted his bear hug and squeezed him back for good measure. Then Wynne got a hug too.
Mia couldn’t remember ever being as happy as she was right now. It was like God had reached out and personally handed her everything she’d ever wanted in life. Jackson—the only man she’d ever truly loved—was back in her life, this time to stay.
She knew he loved her without reservation, and this time, no one was ever going to separate them again. She thought about the child they’d lost. Although a part of her would always grieve that loss, she now hoped they’d be gifted with more children.
Blaine Turner, the man she’d thought was her father—and the origin of so much of the chaos and agony in her life—was gone. He’d hurt her and so many others. But it was time to let it go.
Lord, thank You for watching over me. For protecting us. I choose to honor You and forgive Blaine.
Peace washed over her. Whether or not Blaine knew she’d forgiven him didn’t matter.
God had set her free from her bitterness and given her a new life.
Now, she could not imagine living without faith.
In the darkest times, God had shown Himself to be a true Father to her.
Her greatest joy came from her identity as a daughter of God.
Thinking of parents and children reminded her of something she’d neglected to mention earlier. “Oh,” she said, turning to look at Jackson, “there’s going to be one more guest at dinner tonight. Okay?”
He shrugged. “It’s your dinner. Whatever you want. Who’s coming?”
“My mom is coming.”
He nodded. She knew that a year ago, he wouldn’t have ever imagined a time when he and Carol Turner would sit at the same table. It just proved how much had changed in the last nine months.
“I’m glad you invited her. It’s great that you two have repaired your relationship.”
Love for this man welled inside her. Even after her family had treated him like garbage for so long, he’d willingly set aside any grievances he may have had, just to please her and make her life better. No one had ever loved her like that.
Mia tucked her hair behind her ear. “We have. It hasn’t been easy,” she told him. “I had so much anger inside. I was so bitter at her for not protecting me…against him.”
He nodded. They both understood that she meant Blaine Turner. He had been the reason for almost every hardship she’d ever faced. Most of her suffering had sprung from something he’d done—or a false belief he had drilled into her.
Dylan broke in. “I’m glad Blaine isn’t here to push you around.”
Jackson gave him one of those manly shoulder slaps. “Bro, you and I are going to see to it that no one disrespects Mia.”
The boy’s shoulders went back. “I’m with you.”
She bit her lip to contain her smile. “I’ve talked with her a lot in the past few months. I know she was scared. Blaine could be a scary guy, so icy cold that you never knew when he’d strike. Like a snake. I’m thankful we feel like mother and daughter now.”
Jackson reached out and rubbed her back between her shoulder blades, silently lending his support. She kissed his cheek.
About five minutes before six, Mia went into the kitchen to pull out the lasagna. It bubbled. The top was a perfect golden-brown, and the cheese had melted nicely.
“Dylan, can you and Wynne set the table? I washed my Aunt Gus’s china.” She pointed to the dishes inside her china cabinet.
“Sure.” Dylan and Wynne gathered plates, silverware, napkins, and glasses, and went to work.
“What can I do?” Jackson asked.
She pointed at the makings for the salad on the counter. “If you could put together the salad, that would be great.”
“Anything for my beautiful bride-to-be.” Jackson whistled while he chopped up the cucumber and green pepper.
Mia wanted to pinch herself. This was what her future held.
When the doorbell rang, Jackson paused in the act of putting together the salad. “You want me to go get that?”
Mia nodded and pointed to the garlic bread she was removing from the oven. “Yes, please,” she said. “I want to finish this.”
She knew it would just be her mom anyway.
A few minutes later, Mia brought the lasagna out to the table. Then she walked to the living room to announce that dinner was ready.
She stopped in the doorway, shocked.
Her mom had shown up, as she’d expected. What she hadn’t expected were the three people who’d arrived with her.
Immediately, Mia recognized Andrea—her half sister. Andrea gave her a wave. Behind her stood Sawyer.
The man standing next to her mom had to be Tim Parker. They’d been unable to meet before now due to his being overseas on a long assignment for work.