Chapter 8 - The Proposal Nobody Expected
Adrian did not propose with a diamond.
He proposed with a house key.
It happened on the dock behind Harper's house.
The sunset turned the water gold.
Mia was fishing beside them.
Harper was wrapped in a sweater.
Adrian took her hand.
“Do you remember the first morning?”
“When you arrived with six terrifying men?”
“Yes.”
“I thought you were going to arrest me.”
“I thought you were going to hit me.”
“I almost did.”
“I know.”
She smiled.
He gave her the key.
“What is this?”
“The house next door.”
Harper stared.
“You bought the house?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“For Mia.”
“And?”
He took a breath.
“For you.”
She looked at him.
“I don't want to own you.”
“I know.”
“I don't want to control you.”
“I know.”
“I want a home where you never have to ask permission to open the door.”
Her eyes filled.
Then he dropped to one knee.
Mia gasped.
“Dad!”
Harper laughed through tears.
Adrian held out a ring.
“Harper Cole, will you build a life with me?”
She covered her mouth.
“Yes.”
Mia screamed.
“I knew it!”
Adrian looked at her.
“How?”
“You kept practicing.”
Harper laughed.
“You knew?”
“Yes.”
He stood.
Harper kissed him.
May you like
For the first time, there was no fear attached to the future.
Only hope.
