21. Anya
CHAPTER 21
Ifeel the gentle warmth of the afternoon sun on my skin as I walk through the park. The laughter of playing children fills the air, and I look down to see Kira running ahead, her little legs trotting as she chases after a butterfly.
Alessa runs behind her, easily keeping up with her little sister. They’re so cute, and Alessa is the sweetest big sister ever.
“Careful, Kira!” I call out, a smile tugging at my lips as I watch her unbridled joy.
Brandon glances at me, his eyes crinkling with amusement. “She’s got energy for days,” he chuckles, reaching for my hand by his side.
“I wonder where she gets it from,” I tease, nudging him playfully with my elbow. Kira might have gotten all of Brandon’s looks, but I know that exotic ball of energy she has is all mine. She’s been a complete menace since she became able to run.
Thankfully, she has a big sister who matches her energy.
It’s been a month since Brandon visited Nathan. He’s not a ball of sunshine yet, but he’s somewhat back to the Brandon I met almost two and half years ago.
And it's progress. I squeeze his hand and give him a reassuring smile. Brandon squeezes back, his eyes softening as he looks at me. The weight of the past is still there, we silencing any words that threatened to escape our lips, but we're navigating through it together, one step at a time.
As Kira catches the butterfly in her tiny hands, Alessa claps excitedly, her laughter ringing like music in the air. Brandon and I share a look of parental pride. Our little family is now happier than we’ve ever been, and I’m super thankful for it.
“Dad, dad!” Alessa calls out as she jogs toward us, dragging Kira along with her. “Can we have some cotton candy?”
Brandon looks like he might object. He’s all about the kids eating healthy, but he can’t resist when Alessa pouts and gives him a sad, puppy-eyed look. His daughters are his biggest weakness.
“Fine,” he says, pulling out his wallet and handing her some coins. “You can have some.”
Alessa grins. “Thank you, Daddy.”
Brandon and I settle on a bench as we wait for the girls to return. A nagging thought tugs at my mind. I take a deep breath and decide to voice my concern. It’s been bothering me for a while now, but I had no idea how to share it with him. “Have you thought any more about going back to the Navy SEALs?”
He looks at me and nods. “I have, and I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that.”
I feel my heart pounding a little faster. I can’t guess what he’ll say, but I feel sick thinking about him going out there and risking his life again.
I won’t stop him if that is what he wants. The last thing I want is to cage him, but the thought of him witnessing everything he has and getting hurt again makes me nauseous. “What did you decide?”
He licks his lips. “I won’t be going back to the SEALs, Anya. My last mission was a nightmare, and I’m not willing to relieve that experience. I have a family now to consider as well.”
Relief washes over me, “Really?”
He nods, a small smile playing on his lips. “Yeah. I want to be here with you and the girls. I’ve been looking into something else, something I think could be good for us.”
Curiosity piqued, I tilt my head. “What is it?”
“I’m thinking of opening a bar here in town,” he says, his eyes lighting up with excitement. “A place where people can come together, relax, and have a good time.”
I laugh, feeling a wave of happiness. “You, running a bar? I can see it. You’d be great at it.”
He grins, pulling me into a hug. “I’m glad you think so.”
We both get to our feet and link our arms together as we see the girls running toward us.
We’re gathered outside the town hall for a party celebrating Mr. White’s retirement as a vet. Lights are strung up around the square, casting a warm glow over everything. Alessa and Kira dance around with the other kids.
Brandon and I mingle with friends and neighbors, but he keeps giving me this look, like he has a secret he’s dying to share.
“Girl, have you seen the way he keeps looking at you?” Gianna asks beside me.
“I have.” I smile at Brandon, my cheeks heating with a blush.
She leans in. “I think you two should get a room or something. Don’t want to catch the pheromones in the air.”
I chuckle and poke her ribs. “You mean the pheromones from Joe over there?”
She follows my gaze when I nod toward Joe, who’s standing in a group with other cowboys, looking at Gigi as if he’d rather be in a room with her than here.
Her cheeks turn red. She takes a sip of the bourbon in the plastic cup she’s holding and winks at him.
He winks back.
“Alright, that’s it. I think I’ll excuse myself. Have fun.”
I stroll around with no destination in mind, stopping when someone calls for me from behind. When I turn around, Spencer is jogging toward me.
He left town sometime couple weeks ago. We’ve not seen each other since the night of the family dinner. “Hi,” he pants, bending over to catch his breath.
“Hi,” I return, feeling awkward. Brandon said Spencer seemed to have accepted our relationship when they last spoke, but I’m still not very comfortable around him. “I didn’t know you were back in town.”
“Came back two days ago.” He straightens up. “Look, I’m sorry about my reaction the other night at dinner. I was a total jerk.”
I don't believe him, and I squint my eyes as I stare at him.
Spencer continues, "The way I treated you when we were together was unacceptable. I was young and wanted to have fun. But then I lost my job in the city and returned to Meadowvale, where I found out you and my brother were together. It made me jealous and insecure. Seeing how Brandon barely returned safely from his last mission, it made me realize I need to be a better brother to him. He is a great person and deserve a happy life. I am truly sorry for how I acted, and I hope we can move forward as a happy family.
I grin. “At least we can agree on that.”
“We can.” He slides his fingers through his hair. “For what it’s worth, I wish you a happy life with my brother.”
I give him a small smile, appreciating his apology and his wishes. “Thank you, Spencer. I hope you find your own happiness too.”
He nods, his eyes lingering on me for a moment before he turns to leave. I watch him walk away, feeling a tang of relief.
As I turn around to rejoin the party, I spot Brandon watching me from a distance. He’s basically drinking me in with his eyes.
I make my way over to him, the music and chatter of the celebration surrounding us.
“Hey,” I say as I reach his side, trying to gauge his mood.
Brandon smiles, though there’s a hint of tension in his features. “Hey, love. Everything okay?”
I nod. “Spencer came to apologize.”
Brandon’s smile doesn’t waver. “So you guys are good now?”
“Yeah, I think so.”
I’m about to ask him what’s up when he takes my hand and gently pulls me away from the crowd.
“Where are we going?” I ask, a smile spreading across my face as he leads me toward a quiet corner of the square.
“Don’t ask questions, just trust me,” he says, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
He leads me to a secluded spot behind a cluster of trees, away from the prying eyes and noise of the party. The gentle rustle of leaves and the distant sound of laughter create a serene backdrop as Brandon turns to face me.
The night is clear, the stars twinkling above us. Brandon looks at me in wonder, taking both my hands in his.
“Anya,” he begins, his voice serious yet tender. “I’ve been through a lot, seen a lot, but nothing compares to what I feel for you. We have two beautiful daughters and more happiness than I ever thought possible, but I realized there’s something missing.”
My heart flutters, tears welling up in my eyes as I realize where this is going.
“I want to spend the rest of my life with you,” he continues, dropping to one knee and pulling out a small velvet box. “Will you marry me?”
I gasp, my hands flying to cover my mouth in shock and joy. Tears spill on my cheeks as I nod vigorously, unable to form any words. Brandon's eyes are full of hope and love as he opens the box to reveal a simple yet stunning diamond ring.
“Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!” I finally manage to choke out, my voice trembling with emotion.
Brandon slides the ring onto my finger, his touch is warm. The world around us fades away as our lips meet, and all I can feel is the warmth of his love enveloping me.
When we finally pull apart, I look up at him, my heart full. “I love you so much, Brandon.”
He smiles, resting his forehead against mine. “I love you too, Anya. Forever.”
“Forever,” I repeat with a smile on my face.
This moment feels divine. I wish I could frame it so I’d never forget how much joy I’m feeling right now. Brandon and I made it after everything we’ve been through. And I honestly wouldn’t trade what we share for anything else.
He holds a hand out to me. “Are you ready to return to the party and announce the news?”
I take his hand and nod. “Do you think everyone will be happy for us?” I ask anxiously.
“They will,” he says softly, squeezing my hand. “They’re our family. They’ll want nothing but for us to be happy.”
Gianna and Joe are standing under a tree on the path that leads to the main square.
Gianna’s eyes crinkle with mischief as she winks at me, then her gaze skitters down to the diamond on my finger and pauses there. “Is that an engagement ring?”
I grin, holding out my hand for her to see. “Yes. Brandon just proposed to me.”
Gianna’s eyes are wide with surprise. “And it’s a diamond. It’s so beautiful.” She rushes to me and pulls me into a tight hug. “Congratulations on your engagement, girl. I’m so happy for you.”
“Did someone just say engagement?” Camilla asks as she joins us, holding Kira in one hand.
Alessia, Spencer and James follow behind her.
Gianna answers before I can. “Not just an engagement. He bought her a beautiful diamond. I’m so happy for them.”
The emotion that fills Camilla’s eyes is nothing short of motherly warmth and pride. Her husband’s eyes look much the same.
Joe walks to Brandon and pats his back. “Congratulations on your engagement, buddy.”
“Thank you,” Brandon says.
“I want to get engaged too,” Alessa squeals, her little voice filled with excitement.
Brandon and I both burst into laughter, the joy of the moment spilling over as our loved ones gather around us, offering their congratulations and wishes. Camilla envelops us in a warm embrace, tears glistening in her eyes. “I always knew you two would make it. Congratulations.”
“Thank you,” I reply, my eyes watering. I never believed happy tears were an actual thing until this exact moment. It still feels like a dream.
After the initial excitement settles down and we rejoin the party, Brandon grabs a microphone and announces our engagement to the rest of the town. The crowd erupts into cheers and applause.
The music plays on, the lights twinkle above us, and I can't help but feel that this moment, right here with Brandon by my side, is where I'm truly meant to be.
And as I look around at the smiling faces of those we hold dear, and glance at the ring on my finger, sparkling under the starlit sky, I know that no matter what the future holds, we’ll face it together, as a family.