Chapter 8 - Caleb Proposed in the Library Where Ethan Once Sat Alone—And the Boy Who Had Been Silent for Ten Years Delivered the RingThe proposal happened in the library.
The same window.
The same wooden animals.
But Ethan had changed everything.
He no longer lined them up by himself.
They were scattered everywhere.
He had built a city.
Birds.
Cars.
People.
Homes.
A child who once drew doors now drew open windows.
Caleb stood beside the fireplace.
He looked nervous.
“What's happening?”
I asked.
He smiled.
“Something I should have done earlier.”
He knelt.
I covered my mouth.
“Grace Miller.”
I laughed.
“You are really doing this?”
“Yes.”
“You're terrible at surprises.”
“I know.”
He opened the ring box.
The ring was simple.
No giant diamond.
Just a silver band with a small stone.
“I don't need someone to save me,” he said.
“I need someone who reminds me that my son is worth fighting for.”
I cried.
“I love you.”
He smiled.
“Will you marry me?”
“Yes.”
Ethan ran forward.
He held up the ring.
“I was supposed to give this to you.”
I laughed.
“You knew?”
He nodded.
“I've been waiting two weeks.”
“You're terrible at keeping secrets.”
He smiled.
“I learned from Dad.”
Caleb laughed.
The wedding was small.
Family.
Friends.
Doctors.
Staff.
The children from the medical center.
Ethan walked beside me.
He held my hand.
When we reached Caleb, he whispered,
“Mom.”
I looked at him.
“Yes?”
“You're home.”
I nearly cried.
The ceremony was simple.
Caleb promised to protect me.
I promised to stand beside him.
Ethan cried.
Everyone laughed.
And for once, the Thompson mansion wasn't silent.
It was filled with music.
Laughter.
Children.
Life.
May you like
The house had become something completely different.
A home.
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