Chapter 10 - The Promise on the Water
The reception lasted late into the night.
A local acoustic band played soft music under the canopy of oak trees, while Marcus and the guys took turns making hilarious, embarrassing toasts about Ethan’s past tactical misadventures.
There was laughter, good food, and absolute peace.
Around midnight, as the guests began to filter away toward the guest cottages on the estate grounds, Ethan took my hand and led me down the wooden dock extending out into the dark, calm lake.
The stars above were brilliant, unclouded by city lights.
We walked to the edge of the dock, sitting down together on the cedar planks, letting our feet dangle over the cool water.
I leaned my head against Ethan’s shoulder, wrapping his heavy wool jacket tighter around my shoulders against the midnight chill.
"What are you thinking about?" Ethan asked softly, rubbing my arm.
"I’m thinking about how strange life is," I admitted, looking out at the dark water reflecting the starlight. "A year ago, I was sitting in a cubicle, quietly cataloging my sister’s fraud, convinced that my life was always going to be small and silent."
Ethan turned his head, kissing the top of my forehead. "And now?"
"And now I have a company that protects the country, a home that belongs to us, and a husband who would fight an army just to keep me safe."
Ethan pulled a small velvet box from his pocket.
I froze, looking up at him. "Another box?"
Ethan chuckled—a deep, rich sound that echoed over the quiet lake. "This one doesn't tick. I promise."
He opened the box. Inside rested a simple, stunning platinum ring set with a clear, brilliant sapphire—the exact shade of the mountain sky above his home.
"I didn't get to give you a real ring on our first wedding day," Ethan said, taking my left hand into his. He slid the sapphire ring onto my finger beside my plain platinum band. "This is a promise."
"A promise of what?" I asked, my voice thick with emotion.
"A promise that no matter what threat comes into our home, no matter what shadow tries to cross our path, you will never have to face it alone," Ethan said, looking deep into my eyes. "You're my commander, Maya. My home is wherever you are."
I smiled, tears of pure joy glistening in my eyes. I reached up, pulling his face down to mine, meeting his lips in a long, sweet kiss under the quiet galaxy of stars.
May you like
The noise of the past was gone. The betrayal, the fear, the sirens, and the broken glass had faded into distant history.
As the lake whispered against the wooden posts beneath us, I knew that our real story—a story built on truth, strength, and unwavering love—was only just beginning.
