Chapter 9 - The Joy of Choosing Joy
"Yes!" I sobbed, dropping down to my knees right on the dock in front of him. "Yes, of course, yes!"
Miles laughed, a sound of pure, unadulterated joy, as he slid the ring onto my finger. It fit perfectly.
He pulled me into his arms, lifting me off the dock as he stood up, spinning me around while the autumn leaves swirled around us. I threw my arms around his neck, laughing and crying all at once, pressing my lips to his in a deep, passionate kiss that tasted of salt, sweet cider, and the promise of a glorious future.
When he finally set me down, we sat together on the edge of the dock, our legs dangling over the clear water, my head resting on his broad shoulder, his arm wrapped tightly around me.
I held my hand up to the sun, watching the diamond catch the golden light.
"It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen," I whispered.
"My grandfather made the box," Miles revealed softly, kissing my temple. "He made it thirty years ago for my grandmother. He told me to keep it until I found a woman who made me want to be a better man every single day. I've been carrying it in my desk drawer for four years... waiting for you."
I squeezed his hand, a profound feeling of warmth washing over my entire body.
"He would be so proud of you, Miles," I said. "The way you run his company, the way you honor his memory... the way you love."
"He would have loved you," Miles murmured. "He would have handed you a hammer and put you to work on the truck within five minutes."
We laughed quietly together, enjoying the peaceful bliss of our engagement.
Later that evening, as a roaring fire crackled in the stone fireplace inside the cabin, we sat on the plush rug, eating takeout and sipping champagne.
"So," Miles said, pouring another glass. "We have a wedding to plan. Big corporate gala in Manhattan? Three hundred guests? Media coverage?"
I pulled a face, shivering playfully. "Oh please, no. I've had enough corporate galas to last three lifetimes."
Miles chuckled. "What do you want, Serena?"
I looked around the warm, glowing living room of the cabin. I looked at the dark lake outside the window, illuminated by the silvery light of the full moon. I looked at the man sitting beside me, wearing his cozy sweater, his eyes full of endless devotion.
"I want here," I said softly. "Right here on the lawn by the lake. Just fifty of our real friends. Good food, great music, and simple lights in the trees. No status contests. No social posturing. Just us."
May you like
Miles stared at me, his gaze softening into pure adoration. He reached out, taking my glass, setting it down on the table, and pulling me onto his lap.
"Here it is," Miles agreed, his lips brushing against mine. "Just us."
