38. Brodie
brODIE
“ H e knew, Brodie,” Peyton said when she handed him his brother’s letter.
Without reading it, he understood what she meant. He remembered the dreams he’d had while struggling to stay alive after the plane crash.
“She needs you, Brodie. You have to stay alive. Maddox and Naughton will find you, and they’ll take you back to Peyton.” How many times had he dreamed of Kade saying those words? Countless.
He set the letter aside and reached inside the box. Then he pulled out the light-green velvet box, the same color as Peyton’s eyes. He had no idea what it held, nor could he explain the need he felt to kneel before her, but he did.
“Peyton, you and I are destined to spend the rest of our lives together. I know it deep in my soul. I’ve never been so certain of anything. I’ll love you forever—until the end of time. Please marry me, Peyton.”
She smiled through tear-filled eyes. “Yes.”
Brodie opened the box and pulled out his grandmother’s ring. He slipped it on Peyton’s finger, and it fit as though it were made for her. The center diamond was flanked by two rubies, and there was an inscription on the gold band.
“What does it say?” she asked.
He turned her hand and read around the ring he hadn’t set eyes on until moments ago.
Love forever—until the end of time.