Obsession Falls - Page 163

My mouth dropped open and my eyes widened. I sputtered, trying to say too many things at once and failing at all of them. “This is – What? Ours? You mean – I don’t know what to – Are you serious?”

“Yes, I’m serious. I didn’t realize it at first, but I think I’ve been getting it ready for us the whole time.”

I dropped the card on the counter and was about to throw myself into his arms out of pure joy, but he held up a hand. “Hang on.”

“What?”

“There’s one more thing.”

“You said that already and it was ahouse.”

He dug into his pocket and pulled out a small box. Before he opened it, I knew what it was. If I’d sputtered nonsense before, I was completely speechless now.

While my eyes filled with tears, he approached. I watched in awe as he slowly lowered himself to one knee. He looked up at me, his stormy blue-gray eyes intent on mine, and in true Josiah Haven fashion, he kept it simple.

“Marry me?”

“Oh, yes. Oh yes, yes, yes.”

My body was vibrating with excitement like my dog when he was about to get a treat. Tears of happiness streamed from the corners of my eyes while Josiah took the ring out of the box and gently placed it on my finger.

He rose and I almost jumped into his arms, but didn’t want to make his injured leg buckle. So I threw my arms around him. “Oh my gosh, I love you so much. You saved my life and you’re going to marry me and you got me a house and I’m sorry I can’t stop because I’m just so happy I don’t know what to do.”

His arms were strong around me. He didn’t stop me from babbling. Just laughed softly while I went on and on, waiting for me to wear myself out.

When I finally stopped talking, he pulled back enough to kiss me. His lips were warm, his beard so rough and familiar.

“Are you calm now?” he asked, his voice low and quiet.

“Yes. But there’s one thing I don’t know.”

“What’s that?”

“You really did save my life, and now you’re giving me everything I’ve ever wanted. Better than everything I’ve ever wanted. How can I ever repay you?”

His brow furrowed, like I’d asked a silly question. “That’s easy.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m a simple man, Audrey. I just need one thing from you.”

“What’s that?”

“Just love me.”

I placed my hands alongside his face and looked into his eyes. “I will always love you.”

He pulled me close and kissed me again, slow and deep. I would always love him. There was no question. I’d wondered if I’d ever meet the love of my life. If things like marriage and a home and one day a family were in my future, or if I’d missed the boat.

I certainly hadn’t imagined I’d find everything I’d been looking for in a little town in the mountains. But here he was, kissing me, loving me. Ready to start a life with me.

My life hadn’t followed the path I’d expected. But I’d landed exactly where I was meant to be.

With him. Forever.

Epilogue

JOSIAH